It's the end of term - last day of teaching was on Friday, followed by a completely accidental night out. I nursed one beer for well over an hour and a half, then for some reason caved to a couple of glasses of wine. Food followed with more wine, then amaretto before I decided to go home at about 10 pm. However, on my way home, I bumped into a student who persuaded me (or should I say, invited me, to which I said yes), to go to the pub with her and a few other folk. Pub closed about midnight, and then we went onto some student digs in the centre of down, me attempting to give directions... and I got home at 2am. OH DEAR!!!
Felt rubbish yesterday but had to get up early to sign paperwork at the estate agents along with my new housemate. I felt so disorientated and strange that I actually corrected a punctuation mistake in the document without even realising. Went for a fry up which definitely helped, then spent the rest of the day feeling sorry for myself, napping, and watching stuff on iPlayer!
Today I finished reading Harry Potter 7, now just really excited for the second part of the film to come out!!! Only 7 months to go... I've also been packing up my room ready to move my stuff over to the new place, hopefully on Tuesday.
The weather's been pretty cold, and we've had a fair bit of snow in Bristol but other places have been much worse hit. I'm starting to get worried about Pete coming home - if he can even land at Heathrow (which has been closed for most of the weekend) it won't be so bad but Aberdeen airport's been shut for the best part of the last few days so just having to keep fingers crossed and we'll see what happens. I don't think I should have too many problems driving home, but Adam's not sure how easy it'll be for him and Nic to get down from Manchester, but again trying not to worry too much and we'll all just have to cross those bridges when we come to them. Stressful though!!!
Sunday 19 December 2010
Sunday 12 December 2010
mid December
More time passing! Just over a week until I'm on my Christmas hols, hurray!!
Last night was our work Christmas do which was fun, nice and sociable!! Spent the day in Bath with a friend and met my parents for lunch. Lovely day, the Christmas market was great too!!
It's been really busy at work so we're all looking forward to some time off. I'm looking forward to this week as I'm hoping to move out at the beginning of January, I haven't had a hot shower this week (boiler problems), and I've woken up a coupla mornings with no heating (housemates turning it off). So I've found a new flatshare, and will be sorting out the paperwork and money side of it this week sometime. HURRAY!!!!!!!!
2011 is going to be a good year I think.
Last night was our work Christmas do which was fun, nice and sociable!! Spent the day in Bath with a friend and met my parents for lunch. Lovely day, the Christmas market was great too!!
It's been really busy at work so we're all looking forward to some time off. I'm looking forward to this week as I'm hoping to move out at the beginning of January, I haven't had a hot shower this week (boiler problems), and I've woken up a coupla mornings with no heating (housemates turning it off). So I've found a new flatshare, and will be sorting out the paperwork and money side of it this week sometime. HURRAY!!!!!!!!
2011 is going to be a good year I think.
Sunday 28 November 2010
A busy week
The weeks are flying by, now I'm teaching again, I can't believe it's only about 3 weeks til Christmas!! Madness!
This week has been really busy. I went on a Social Programme trip to Wells and Wookey Hole which was good (and a good job it wasn't this weekend!!). Sunday I went with some friends from work to see Harry Potter!!!!! It was so good!!!! I must recommend it, even if you're not a Potter fan. Something for everyone. And the acting is so much better than the previous films!! Then was out every night this week, with French on Monday, Spanish exchange on Tuesday, dinner with some Italian friends on Wednesday and choir on Thursday. Friday I was looking forward to a quiet evening and early night. It started off well with a curry and a bit of wine, watched 'The Reader' (which I must recommend), then was just getting ready to sleep when my housemates decided to have a party in one of their rooms. Until 2am. I was livid. Especially when I was then woken up at 9.30 am yesterday morning. Seriously.
Anyway I got some things done at the bank and chilled (literally) for a bit, looked in the charity shops and then I came home, had a nap ( :) ) and then headed out for some drinks at my friend's new flat!! It was really cool, a lovely Spanglish get-together, delicious food and great company!! Headed home about midnight thought and managed a decent sleep before getting up, finishing the 4th Harry Potter book hehe then going down to collect my car from my friend's, and heading over to St. Bartholomew's Church where the Gurt Lushers were performing as part of the North Bristol Arts Trail. It was really fun, quite informal concert but good to get my first live concert over with in a relaxed atmosphere!! Think I blagged fairly well the songs I didn't know, too! Win.
So I'm feeling much more settled in Bristol. Been looking at flats to rent, I'm absolutely fed up of sharing so trying to find somewhere reasonably priced on my own. I may have to concede to sharing again though, but ideally just with one or two other people. At least until September when I'll know a bit better what the long-term is looking like.
That's all for now anyway!
This week has been really busy. I went on a Social Programme trip to Wells and Wookey Hole which was good (and a good job it wasn't this weekend!!). Sunday I went with some friends from work to see Harry Potter!!!!! It was so good!!!! I must recommend it, even if you're not a Potter fan. Something for everyone. And the acting is so much better than the previous films!! Then was out every night this week, with French on Monday, Spanish exchange on Tuesday, dinner with some Italian friends on Wednesday and choir on Thursday. Friday I was looking forward to a quiet evening and early night. It started off well with a curry and a bit of wine, watched 'The Reader' (which I must recommend), then was just getting ready to sleep when my housemates decided to have a party in one of their rooms. Until 2am. I was livid. Especially when I was then woken up at 9.30 am yesterday morning. Seriously.
Anyway I got some things done at the bank and chilled (literally) for a bit, looked in the charity shops and then I came home, had a nap ( :) ) and then headed out for some drinks at my friend's new flat!! It was really cool, a lovely Spanglish get-together, delicious food and great company!! Headed home about midnight thought and managed a decent sleep before getting up, finishing the 4th Harry Potter book hehe then going down to collect my car from my friend's, and heading over to St. Bartholomew's Church where the Gurt Lushers were performing as part of the North Bristol Arts Trail. It was really fun, quite informal concert but good to get my first live concert over with in a relaxed atmosphere!! Think I blagged fairly well the songs I didn't know, too! Win.
So I'm feeling much more settled in Bristol. Been looking at flats to rent, I'm absolutely fed up of sharing so trying to find somewhere reasonably priced on my own. I may have to concede to sharing again though, but ideally just with one or two other people. At least until September when I'll know a bit better what the long-term is looking like.
That's all for now anyway!
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Oh dear
I need to seriously buck up my ideas with this blog!! Disaster!! I'm finding myself either really busy or exhausted these days!
I've been thrust back into the full-time teaching, from between 7.5/ 15 hrs a week to 23ish, including observations of trainees, all the planning and marking and IELTS exam class. I'm totally pooped, but it's EXCELLENT, exactly what I wanted to be doing (which is a relief after all the fuss I was kicking up ;) ) and I'm trying to be more creative and use the IWBs and IT and stuff to become a better teacher. It's so good to be mentally tired from really thinking about stuff and I'm really lucky with my classes, great bunch of students (although we collectively can get a bit chatty... oops, but it's fun!)
I have my last (ever??) Saturday trip this weekend, to Wells & Wookey Hole! I haven't been for years and years, so I'm looking forward to that, gets me out of the house!!
Monday evenings I have my French class, which is going OK but I'm not feeling as challenged as I'd like.. I'm going to give it a few more weeks but I'd really like to move to a higher beginner class if it's possible. Also on Mondays for the last coupla weeks I've been doing a Spanish/ English exchange with some students. It's really cool, and I think we're going to merge with another exchange probably to a Sunday which'll be more chilled!! Tuesday and Wednesdays get filled up with stuff, and Thursdays is choir. Really enjoying it, and if you're interested its http://gurtlush.yolasite.com/ - check it out!!!
Weekends are taken up with going back home to Bucks, seeing friends or just doing absolutely nothing, which after a busy week of thinking and brain exercise is MUCH needed. I'm trying to motivate myself to go to the gym or take up some classes but honestly I don't know if I could mentally or physically cope at the moment!!! Really should do something though...
Anyway, all is well, I'm feeling much more settled, content and just looking now for a nice one bed flat or studio for end of January/ beginning of Feb. Fed up of living with people so I'm looking forward to having my own little space for 6 months or so by which time I'll probably be driving myself mad, but we'll see!!
:)
I've been thrust back into the full-time teaching, from between 7.5/ 15 hrs a week to 23ish, including observations of trainees, all the planning and marking and IELTS exam class. I'm totally pooped, but it's EXCELLENT, exactly what I wanted to be doing (which is a relief after all the fuss I was kicking up ;) ) and I'm trying to be more creative and use the IWBs and IT and stuff to become a better teacher. It's so good to be mentally tired from really thinking about stuff and I'm really lucky with my classes, great bunch of students (although we collectively can get a bit chatty... oops, but it's fun!)
I have my last (ever??) Saturday trip this weekend, to Wells & Wookey Hole! I haven't been for years and years, so I'm looking forward to that, gets me out of the house!!
Monday evenings I have my French class, which is going OK but I'm not feeling as challenged as I'd like.. I'm going to give it a few more weeks but I'd really like to move to a higher beginner class if it's possible. Also on Mondays for the last coupla weeks I've been doing a Spanish/ English exchange with some students. It's really cool, and I think we're going to merge with another exchange probably to a Sunday which'll be more chilled!! Tuesday and Wednesdays get filled up with stuff, and Thursdays is choir. Really enjoying it, and if you're interested its http://gurtlush.yolasite.com/ - check it out!!!
Weekends are taken up with going back home to Bucks, seeing friends or just doing absolutely nothing, which after a busy week of thinking and brain exercise is MUCH needed. I'm trying to motivate myself to go to the gym or take up some classes but honestly I don't know if I could mentally or physically cope at the moment!!! Really should do something though...
Anyway, all is well, I'm feeling much more settled, content and just looking now for a nice one bed flat or studio for end of January/ beginning of Feb. Fed up of living with people so I'm looking forward to having my own little space for 6 months or so by which time I'll probably be driving myself mad, but we'll see!!
:)
Tuesday 2 November 2010
November, remember?
I'm so rubbish at keeping this blog up to date.
What have I been up to the last few weeks?
Well, I went to Stratford again, with 103 german students we had, which went really well considering the size of the group and the numerous last-minute changes that were made. So pleased with that. Also I've never dealt with a group of students so friendly, organised with excellent time-keeping and speed of walking. Hugely impressed. Love Germans! The group leaders were also really helpful, kind and appreciative which goes a million miles. Thank you!!!!
The following weekend, I took my Pete to meet the parentals. Had a busy day at work but got home in time for fish and chips for dinner, wine, chilling and chatting. On Saturday we scooted over to Marlow to wander by the Thames, back home for lunch before heading out for a big walk in the lovely Chilterns countryside. A short stop for a cheeky drink en route was also necessary and excellent!!
We went to see The Social Network in the evening, really interesting film but not one I'd necessarily want to see again.. But I enjoyed the way events panned out, and the slightly unnecessary shot of people at Henley, dahling.
Dropped the lad off at Heathrow on Sunday morning and spent the rest of the day crying. Haha not really, we had a lovely roast dinner, and a relaxing afternoon before heading back to Bristol in the evening.
A busyish week last week was interspersed with me coming down with a horrible cold/ fluey thing, aches and pains and Thursday off work. I shouldn't have gone back in on Friday but had a lot of things to sort out, including running the Halloween karaoke/ bbq party in the evening. I left at 10.30 though and went back to Bucks to recuperate!!! It took ALL WEEKEND. Horrible sinus infection I think and after another day off yesterday I am just today starting to feel better. Ridiculous. Tomorrow I'm going to buy as many vegetables as I can and just eat them all immediately.
This week work situation's starting to change, I'm inducting a new social programme chap who has lots of experience and will be focussed just on SP rather than trying to do teaching as well - really exciting as he seems to have loads of initiative and knows what he's doing. It'll be good to see what he can bring to the table, although I'm still waiting to find out where that leaves me, contractually! Give it a few weeks and it should all start to settle down.
Not too many plans for this week really, trying to make sure I'm fully recovered before doing anything too crazy, and a weekend here in Bristol so I need to do some sorting out, cleaning and that sort of pottering about really!!! I've just done a bunch of Christmas shopping online, so that's half (or more) done... Gonna get some cards written out too in the next week or so. Phew!!!!!!!!
What have I been up to the last few weeks?
Well, I went to Stratford again, with 103 german students we had, which went really well considering the size of the group and the numerous last-minute changes that were made. So pleased with that. Also I've never dealt with a group of students so friendly, organised with excellent time-keeping and speed of walking. Hugely impressed. Love Germans! The group leaders were also really helpful, kind and appreciative which goes a million miles. Thank you!!!!
The following weekend, I took my Pete to meet the parentals. Had a busy day at work but got home in time for fish and chips for dinner, wine, chilling and chatting. On Saturday we scooted over to Marlow to wander by the Thames, back home for lunch before heading out for a big walk in the lovely Chilterns countryside. A short stop for a cheeky drink en route was also necessary and excellent!!
We went to see The Social Network in the evening, really interesting film but not one I'd necessarily want to see again.. But I enjoyed the way events panned out, and the slightly unnecessary shot of people at Henley, dahling.
Dropped the lad off at Heathrow on Sunday morning and spent the rest of the day crying. Haha not really, we had a lovely roast dinner, and a relaxing afternoon before heading back to Bristol in the evening.
A busyish week last week was interspersed with me coming down with a horrible cold/ fluey thing, aches and pains and Thursday off work. I shouldn't have gone back in on Friday but had a lot of things to sort out, including running the Halloween karaoke/ bbq party in the evening. I left at 10.30 though and went back to Bucks to recuperate!!! It took ALL WEEKEND. Horrible sinus infection I think and after another day off yesterday I am just today starting to feel better. Ridiculous. Tomorrow I'm going to buy as many vegetables as I can and just eat them all immediately.
This week work situation's starting to change, I'm inducting a new social programme chap who has lots of experience and will be focussed just on SP rather than trying to do teaching as well - really exciting as he seems to have loads of initiative and knows what he's doing. It'll be good to see what he can bring to the table, although I'm still waiting to find out where that leaves me, contractually! Give it a few weeks and it should all start to settle down.
Not too many plans for this week really, trying to make sure I'm fully recovered before doing anything too crazy, and a weekend here in Bristol so I need to do some sorting out, cleaning and that sort of pottering about really!!! I've just done a bunch of Christmas shopping online, so that's half (or more) done... Gonna get some cards written out too in the next week or so. Phew!!!!!!!!
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Scotland!!!!!
To quote the great Robert Burns;
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go.
Aahhh that really reminds me of my lovely late Grandma.
But is also appropriate since I've just got back from a fab few days in the Highlands. I flew into Inverness on Thursday then after a few hours I took the train across to Aberdeen through some amazing landscapes at sunset. Picked up by my lad, and we went for a big family dinner!! Mad, there was a whole houseful, and I met the rest of the family which was great!! We stayed at Pete's brother and sister-in-law's, very comfy and warm! On Friday I was taken on a tour of Aberdeenshire (sort of).. the weather was pretty dreich (overcast) and so we didn't see alot. I had to buy lunch after losing at Crazy Golf, we also visited the (highly cultural) Union Square shopping centre before heading to Westhill's Tesco, Post Office and Golf Course hehehehe!! Then we popped into see the bride-to-be and family, and later I was invited to the pre-wedding girly night, yay! We drank wine and had our nails done and looked at pics from when Alison was little!! Jenny and I then headed over the airport to pick up cousin Sarah at which point I was made aware just how many cousins there are!!! Arrrhh!!!!!
After a chilled cup of tea we hit the hay for the night in preparation for the big day on Saturday!!! Had a chilled breakfast and morning before getting all dressed up and heading to the fantastic Maryculter House Hotel. Alison and Gareth's wedding ceremony was really simple, with lovely readings and the weather cleared up so all the photos could be done outside! Met more cousins and Granny, and chatted to lots of people while Pete was busy ushing! Brilliant speeches, moving and funny - the perfect combination of emotion and hilarity! Dinner was great and the first dance was a total classic - the Wannadies' You and Me Song. Brilliant!!!! The reception was a massive ceilidh, lots of energetic dancing involved, it was great!!
On Sunday we headed to Westhill to see everyone post-wedding. Luckily everyone feeling a little the worse for wear, so we had a chilled catch up, looking at photos and meeting more cousins I hadn't met before!! hehehe. We headed over to Inverness around 2pm and had a wander around and a drink in the famous folk bar, Hootenanny's. We had dinner both nights at the hotel which was delicious and very convenient!! On Monday we did SO much.
We visited the site of the last ever hand-to-hand battle on British soil, in 1746 between the British Government and the Jacobite rebels under Bonnie Prince Charlie, at Culloden. There's a fantastic visitor centre that shows the timeline of events leading up to the battle (that lasted less than an hour but totally decimated the Jacobites - quite horrific), and then you get an audio guide to go out onto the battlefield. It's so marshy and heathery, it really hits you what conditions must have been like.
We then went on to Urqhart Castle after stopping at the Clansman Hotel en route, on the banks of Loch Ness for some lunch. This is a fantastic castle but it's a real shame that the government people that abandoned it also took the decision to set light to all the gunpowder, leaving the castle in ruins. It had so much history - there had been some sort of structure on the site for over 1,000 years. Really fabulous views over Loch Ness too. No luck spotting Nessie though :(
We then headed south to a little town called Fort Augustus which links the Caledonian Canal with the Loch. There are a series of around 7 locks going down through the town, which was quaint and pretty! We rounded the bottom of Loch Ness and went up through the countryside alongside another huge loch, through small towns and we stopped off at Foyers where there is an amazing waterfall! We walked down the precarious path dotted with quotes from Robert Burns, who was so inspired by the waterfall that he immediately wrote a poem on the spot!! Really impressive, so much power!
After getting back to the hotel we had another delicious meal, and had a couple of drinks before an early night. Today we packed up, had a walk around Inverness and then headed to Fort George. It's a military base built on a remote promontory shortly after the Battle of Culloden to ward off any further attacks by the Highlanders who were hugely repressed following the rebellion (they were banned from wearing tartans, playing highland instruments among other persecutions). Still, Fort George is an impressive, organised structure that is still used today as a military base!! We were again given audio guides with which to walk around the base, it was so interesting, with amazing views across the Moray Firth. On some days you can even see dolphins!
I had to be at the airport for about 2pm so we just had a drive around the countryside, through Nairn, towards Cawdor and then back to the airport :( My flight left on time and I got home to Bristol around 6.30pm. I'm not going to say anything about my feelings about tomorrow! So I'll post more on that later. Suffice to say I had a fantastic break and we had a great time exploring the beautiful Highlands. Looking forward to going back there for a holiday early next year! Yayy!!!!
xx
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go.
Aahhh that really reminds me of my lovely late Grandma.
But is also appropriate since I've just got back from a fab few days in the Highlands. I flew into Inverness on Thursday then after a few hours I took the train across to Aberdeen through some amazing landscapes at sunset. Picked up by my lad, and we went for a big family dinner!! Mad, there was a whole houseful, and I met the rest of the family which was great!! We stayed at Pete's brother and sister-in-law's, very comfy and warm! On Friday I was taken on a tour of Aberdeenshire (sort of).. the weather was pretty dreich (overcast) and so we didn't see alot. I had to buy lunch after losing at Crazy Golf, we also visited the (highly cultural) Union Square shopping centre before heading to Westhill's Tesco, Post Office and Golf Course hehehehe!! Then we popped into see the bride-to-be and family, and later I was invited to the pre-wedding girly night, yay! We drank wine and had our nails done and looked at pics from when Alison was little!! Jenny and I then headed over the airport to pick up cousin Sarah at which point I was made aware just how many cousins there are!!! Arrrhh!!!!!
After a chilled cup of tea we hit the hay for the night in preparation for the big day on Saturday!!! Had a chilled breakfast and morning before getting all dressed up and heading to the fantastic Maryculter House Hotel. Alison and Gareth's wedding ceremony was really simple, with lovely readings and the weather cleared up so all the photos could be done outside! Met more cousins and Granny, and chatted to lots of people while Pete was busy ushing! Brilliant speeches, moving and funny - the perfect combination of emotion and hilarity! Dinner was great and the first dance was a total classic - the Wannadies' You and Me Song. Brilliant!!!! The reception was a massive ceilidh, lots of energetic dancing involved, it was great!!
On Sunday we headed to Westhill to see everyone post-wedding. Luckily everyone feeling a little the worse for wear, so we had a chilled catch up, looking at photos and meeting more cousins I hadn't met before!! hehehe. We headed over to Inverness around 2pm and had a wander around and a drink in the famous folk bar, Hootenanny's. We had dinner both nights at the hotel which was delicious and very convenient!! On Monday we did SO much.
We visited the site of the last ever hand-to-hand battle on British soil, in 1746 between the British Government and the Jacobite rebels under Bonnie Prince Charlie, at Culloden. There's a fantastic visitor centre that shows the timeline of events leading up to the battle (that lasted less than an hour but totally decimated the Jacobites - quite horrific), and then you get an audio guide to go out onto the battlefield. It's so marshy and heathery, it really hits you what conditions must have been like.
We then went on to Urqhart Castle after stopping at the Clansman Hotel en route, on the banks of Loch Ness for some lunch. This is a fantastic castle but it's a real shame that the government people that abandoned it also took the decision to set light to all the gunpowder, leaving the castle in ruins. It had so much history - there had been some sort of structure on the site for over 1,000 years. Really fabulous views over Loch Ness too. No luck spotting Nessie though :(
We then headed south to a little town called Fort Augustus which links the Caledonian Canal with the Loch. There are a series of around 7 locks going down through the town, which was quaint and pretty! We rounded the bottom of Loch Ness and went up through the countryside alongside another huge loch, through small towns and we stopped off at Foyers where there is an amazing waterfall! We walked down the precarious path dotted with quotes from Robert Burns, who was so inspired by the waterfall that he immediately wrote a poem on the spot!! Really impressive, so much power!
After getting back to the hotel we had another delicious meal, and had a couple of drinks before an early night. Today we packed up, had a walk around Inverness and then headed to Fort George. It's a military base built on a remote promontory shortly after the Battle of Culloden to ward off any further attacks by the Highlanders who were hugely repressed following the rebellion (they were banned from wearing tartans, playing highland instruments among other persecutions). Still, Fort George is an impressive, organised structure that is still used today as a military base!! We were again given audio guides with which to walk around the base, it was so interesting, with amazing views across the Moray Firth. On some days you can even see dolphins!
I had to be at the airport for about 2pm so we just had a drive around the countryside, through Nairn, towards Cawdor and then back to the airport :( My flight left on time and I got home to Bristol around 6.30pm. I'm not going to say anything about my feelings about tomorrow! So I'll post more on that later. Suffice to say I had a fantastic break and we had a great time exploring the beautiful Highlands. Looking forward to going back there for a holiday early next year! Yayy!!!!
xx
Saturday 2 October 2010
A catch-up
Ooops, it's been ages since I blogged.. Not sure anyone reads this blog anyway hehehe.
So it's been 2 weeks since I was in Scotland! I flew up to Edinburgh, and was delayed by two hours so didn't get to Glenrothes until after midnight. After some sleep, we got up early and Pete's parents dropped in to see us! Really good to meet them, although it was brief, then we had to go off to see the groom & his ushers and get ready for the wedding. It was so great to meet Pete's friends and really funny to see the guys getting all kitted out in their kilts - it took longer than for us girls!! We all then headed off to the Balbirnie Hotel - a beautiful country house hotel, drank some tea and then shortly moved onto gin!! I met Pete's sister and her fiance, along with other friends and family. The ceremony began around 2pm, and was a simple, humanist ceremony - really moving. I love a good wedding (even when I've only met the people involved that morning!!) They were lucky with the weather and had the photos done outside. Whilst they were having the rest of the photos taken, we supped champagne and ate yummy canapes (including haggis!) before moving inside for the cutting of the cake and a speech from Chris' dad.
Then it was into the dining area for speeches and dinner (very delicious!), and onto lots of dancing. I survived the ceilidh, too!!! Hahaha. Went to bed rather tipsy and had a ridiculously comfortable night's sleep before heading down to a delicious Scottish breakfast with lots of people from the wedding including Mr. and Mrs. Craig themselves. Pete and I then headed off to Edinburgh with Alison and Gareth and walked up the Royal Mile, had some lunch before going to the airport to fly back to Bristol. Luckily no delays this time!
Pete headed off on Monday, and in the evening, Adam and Nic came to stay the night before going off on their holidays. Busy busy!! Last weekend was a fairly quiet one, after a few drinks on Friday night, and spending the day hanging out with Jo on Saturday.
Work's been pretty busy, I'm flat out with organising social programme for 103 german students arriving next weekend, with the added pressure that I'm going to Aberdeen on Thursday for almost a week. So it all has to be ready to go. But I had a really positive appraisal on Wednesday which was great. Weighing up options at the moment and especially a bit of uncertainty as to where I'll be this time next year, but many doors are open at the moment which is good. Getting busier in general too as I have my French classes on a Monday, and joined a community choir on Thursdays with a couple of colleagues - really good fun!!! I am looking forward to November being a little less manic on all front though - even though I know it's only the 2nd October!!!
Last night we went out for work drinks, then I met up with a friend, and we ended going for dinner with a new colleague of mine, and some of her friends! It was really fun, lots of wine and good conversation. Felt a bit rough when my alarm went off at 7.30, but I had my last one-to-one French class at 9am. Then I went off to pick up my car, and met up with Mum and Dad! We went down to south Devon for the day, it was so nice, we were really lucky with the weather and had a good walk around in the sea air. We also went to Honiton before heading back. They were going to hang out with me in Bristol tomorrow but it looks like the weather is going to be dreadful (I think it's already started raining) so they're going to head home instead and I'm going to have lunch with my housemate :)
Like I say, I'm off to Aberdeen on Thursday for Alison's wedding on Saturday. Looking forward to meeting the rest of the Currie clan, and having a tour around the area! We're heading off to Inverness for a few days on Sunday, which'll be great. I have every intention on finding Nessie and really looking forward to some fresh Scottish air, good food and some time off work. It's been 4 of the busiest months ever since I had a day off. Ahhhhh.
After that, it's gonna be a busy busy few weeks, and Pete'll be back for one weekend at the end of October. Phew.
Things are ticking over fine for now, I'm applying for my PGCE, still debating whether to do secondary or middle years.. I'm not sure what's best. There are lots of possibilities in the offing so I'm going to apply anyway and then see what happens. Eee!!!
So it's been 2 weeks since I was in Scotland! I flew up to Edinburgh, and was delayed by two hours so didn't get to Glenrothes until after midnight. After some sleep, we got up early and Pete's parents dropped in to see us! Really good to meet them, although it was brief, then we had to go off to see the groom & his ushers and get ready for the wedding. It was so great to meet Pete's friends and really funny to see the guys getting all kitted out in their kilts - it took longer than for us girls!! We all then headed off to the Balbirnie Hotel - a beautiful country house hotel, drank some tea and then shortly moved onto gin!! I met Pete's sister and her fiance, along with other friends and family. The ceremony began around 2pm, and was a simple, humanist ceremony - really moving. I love a good wedding (even when I've only met the people involved that morning!!) They were lucky with the weather and had the photos done outside. Whilst they were having the rest of the photos taken, we supped champagne and ate yummy canapes (including haggis!) before moving inside for the cutting of the cake and a speech from Chris' dad.
Then it was into the dining area for speeches and dinner (very delicious!), and onto lots of dancing. I survived the ceilidh, too!!! Hahaha. Went to bed rather tipsy and had a ridiculously comfortable night's sleep before heading down to a delicious Scottish breakfast with lots of people from the wedding including Mr. and Mrs. Craig themselves. Pete and I then headed off to Edinburgh with Alison and Gareth and walked up the Royal Mile, had some lunch before going to the airport to fly back to Bristol. Luckily no delays this time!
Pete headed off on Monday, and in the evening, Adam and Nic came to stay the night before going off on their holidays. Busy busy!! Last weekend was a fairly quiet one, after a few drinks on Friday night, and spending the day hanging out with Jo on Saturday.
Work's been pretty busy, I'm flat out with organising social programme for 103 german students arriving next weekend, with the added pressure that I'm going to Aberdeen on Thursday for almost a week. So it all has to be ready to go. But I had a really positive appraisal on Wednesday which was great. Weighing up options at the moment and especially a bit of uncertainty as to where I'll be this time next year, but many doors are open at the moment which is good. Getting busier in general too as I have my French classes on a Monday, and joined a community choir on Thursdays with a couple of colleagues - really good fun!!! I am looking forward to November being a little less manic on all front though - even though I know it's only the 2nd October!!!
Last night we went out for work drinks, then I met up with a friend, and we ended going for dinner with a new colleague of mine, and some of her friends! It was really fun, lots of wine and good conversation. Felt a bit rough when my alarm went off at 7.30, but I had my last one-to-one French class at 9am. Then I went off to pick up my car, and met up with Mum and Dad! We went down to south Devon for the day, it was so nice, we were really lucky with the weather and had a good walk around in the sea air. We also went to Honiton before heading back. They were going to hang out with me in Bristol tomorrow but it looks like the weather is going to be dreadful (I think it's already started raining) so they're going to head home instead and I'm going to have lunch with my housemate :)
Like I say, I'm off to Aberdeen on Thursday for Alison's wedding on Saturday. Looking forward to meeting the rest of the Currie clan, and having a tour around the area! We're heading off to Inverness for a few days on Sunday, which'll be great. I have every intention on finding Nessie and really looking forward to some fresh Scottish air, good food and some time off work. It's been 4 of the busiest months ever since I had a day off. Ahhhhh.
After that, it's gonna be a busy busy few weeks, and Pete'll be back for one weekend at the end of October. Phew.
Things are ticking over fine for now, I'm applying for my PGCE, still debating whether to do secondary or middle years.. I'm not sure what's best. There are lots of possibilities in the offing so I'm going to apply anyway and then see what happens. Eee!!!
Sunday 12 September 2010
Another weekend...
Yesterday I went to the beautiful town of Stratford upon Avon with 19 students. What a beautiful place, so full of extremely well-documented history. I love that so many places in the UK have history but to know exactly what happened almost 500 years ago is so incredible to me. We visited the church where Shakespeare preached, saw the Bible he and his fellow congregation would have read from, his and his family's graves, and then his schoolroom (which isn't usually open to the public, being part of the Grammar school), before going past the house in which he died, the pub he hung out in with his literary buddies, and finally we went to the Shakespeare centre and his birthplace. It's the second time I'd been, and I love it just as much for the history of the place and finding out what life was like in the 16th and 17th centuries, as for my inner Shakespeare fan. The icing on the cake was that the weather was gorgeous although I was totally inappropriately dressed as it was raining torrentially when I woke up :/
I also, at this juncture, would like to say how much I love Charity shops!! I went into Oxfam and managed to get a lovely winter coat (originally probably 50 quid from Next) for £6, and a dress for a wedding I'm going to for £7, weeeeeeeeeeeee. Brilliant.
Last weekend I went to two baby showers. One baby's due in about 5 weeks, and the other was due in 7 weeks, but he came early, on Wednesday. He was obviously very excited about all the fuss and probably wanted to see the presents everyone got him, but luckily although he was very premature, he is breathing unaided and should be OK to go home very soon. It's all very exciting though and I look forward to meeting him soon!!
This week I have a few things to do. One of my friends is going out to work in Vietnam in a week or so, so a few leaving drinkies with her tomorrow, I need a haircut before the weekend, and I have my French class as usual on Thursday evening. We're packing a lot into these lessons, and although I have a long way to go, it's going well. On Thursday I'm also thinking about going along to my friend/ colleague's choir. It's a lively modern singing group more than a choir, I suppose, so I'm gonna try it out for a few weeks and see how it goes!!
Slept really badly last night, and I'm definitely feeling the effects of not getting enough rest. I'd love to be out and about more often but usually by the time the weekend rolls around I'm totally exhausted. I'm gonna keep an eye on my diet, but certain housemates stomping around and using 'outdoor' voices at all hours of the night (or, 4-4.30 am as it was today) certainly doesn't help.
I also, at this juncture, would like to say how much I love Charity shops!! I went into Oxfam and managed to get a lovely winter coat (originally probably 50 quid from Next) for £6, and a dress for a wedding I'm going to for £7, weeeeeeeeeeeee. Brilliant.
Last weekend I went to two baby showers. One baby's due in about 5 weeks, and the other was due in 7 weeks, but he came early, on Wednesday. He was obviously very excited about all the fuss and probably wanted to see the presents everyone got him, but luckily although he was very premature, he is breathing unaided and should be OK to go home very soon. It's all very exciting though and I look forward to meeting him soon!!
This week I have a few things to do. One of my friends is going out to work in Vietnam in a week or so, so a few leaving drinkies with her tomorrow, I need a haircut before the weekend, and I have my French class as usual on Thursday evening. We're packing a lot into these lessons, and although I have a long way to go, it's going well. On Thursday I'm also thinking about going along to my friend/ colleague's choir. It's a lively modern singing group more than a choir, I suppose, so I'm gonna try it out for a few weeks and see how it goes!!
Slept really badly last night, and I'm definitely feeling the effects of not getting enough rest. I'd love to be out and about more often but usually by the time the weekend rolls around I'm totally exhausted. I'm gonna keep an eye on my diet, but certain housemates stomping around and using 'outdoor' voices at all hours of the night (or, 4-4.30 am as it was today) certainly doesn't help.
Friday 10 September 2010
Sleepy
Hi blogfans (if you're out there!!)
Just an update to say that things are going better. I went back to teaching this week, 15hrs a week and social programme the rest of the time. Don't feel I have tons of time to do everything but everyone's in the same boat. Glad the summer's over!!
I've had 2 French classes, piling in loads of knowledge, three more to go before I'm joining group class.
Next week I'm going up to Scotland to a wedding, hurray! A busy few weekends ahead it's all good.
I don't have much to say really, so tired at the moment and not sleeping well but hoping to have a better week next week!!
Latersx
Just an update to say that things are going better. I went back to teaching this week, 15hrs a week and social programme the rest of the time. Don't feel I have tons of time to do everything but everyone's in the same boat. Glad the summer's over!!
I've had 2 French classes, piling in loads of knowledge, three more to go before I'm joining group class.
Next week I'm going up to Scotland to a wedding, hurray! A busy few weekends ahead it's all good.
I don't have much to say really, so tired at the moment and not sleeping well but hoping to have a better week next week!!
Latersx
Saturday 28 August 2010
Friday 20 August 2010
Languages
A friend just posted this article on his facebook feed. I agree wholeheartedly, bar one comment; "There is this strange cluelessness of the English"... I'd prefer that to be re-written as 'native English speakers'.
Working in a language school, I'm in contact on a daily basis with people of all ages from many many countries (over twenty, off the top of my head), who are striving to learn our difficult, idiosyncratic language. When I tell them I can speak 2 other languages fluently, as well as bits and pieces of at least 6 others (heehee), they don't believe me. And if they do, they are shocked and tell me I am 'not like other English people'. And instead of being proud of my achievements, instead I'm ashamed that they feel that way about native speakers of English.
Most of my friends have a GCSE in one language, but would be hard pushed to actually speak it after almost a decade. Many people say "languages are difficult" and "I'm no good at languages"... Well, I found maths difficult, but I still had to do a GCSE in it. And many of my students are not natural linguists and find learning English difficult, but they feel they have to. Whose fault is that? If we won't learn their language, what choice do foreign businesses have?
A-level results were released yesterday. My Mum has been a secondary Spanish teacher for over 30 years, and says that the format of the language exams for both GCSE and A level have definitely be dumbed down. Soon, she says, no-one will be able to teach languages because no-one will have a high enough level to be able to! It's shocking that, so many years after taking away the requirement of a GCSE in Modern Languages, it is only this September that it'll be compulsory for all primary school kids to learn a language from the age of 7. That should have come into force long before the GCSE was taken away.
Anyway, rant over.
Working in a language school, I'm in contact on a daily basis with people of all ages from many many countries (over twenty, off the top of my head), who are striving to learn our difficult, idiosyncratic language. When I tell them I can speak 2 other languages fluently, as well as bits and pieces of at least 6 others (heehee), they don't believe me. And if they do, they are shocked and tell me I am 'not like other English people'. And instead of being proud of my achievements, instead I'm ashamed that they feel that way about native speakers of English.
Most of my friends have a GCSE in one language, but would be hard pushed to actually speak it after almost a decade. Many people say "languages are difficult" and "I'm no good at languages"... Well, I found maths difficult, but I still had to do a GCSE in it. And many of my students are not natural linguists and find learning English difficult, but they feel they have to. Whose fault is that? If we won't learn their language, what choice do foreign businesses have?
A-level results were released yesterday. My Mum has been a secondary Spanish teacher for over 30 years, and says that the format of the language exams for both GCSE and A level have definitely be dumbed down. Soon, she says, no-one will be able to teach languages because no-one will have a high enough level to be able to! It's shocking that, so many years after taking away the requirement of a GCSE in Modern Languages, it is only this September that it'll be compulsory for all primary school kids to learn a language from the age of 7. That should have come into force long before the GCSE was taken away.
Anyway, rant over.
Monday 16 August 2010
Sushi Mondays
I just got in from Yo Sushi, yum yum yum yum yum. It's deceptively filling though so now I feel ridiculously full!! Went with my friend, her housemate and his friend from Italy which was cool. I'm glad I went, even though I'm so tired!!
Had a busy weekend, with drinks after work for a colleague who was leaving, setting up the barbecue/ karaoke for the adults then rushing up to Henbury to run a disco for the teens before heading back for some karaoke goodness. I was told that I was the best DJ ever, by a group of too cool for school Turkish 14 year olds. Praise indeed!!
Saturday I woke up to torrential rain and my heart sank, as I was off to Bath for the day with the adult students. Luckily, once we arrived in Bath the weather wasn't so bad so we enjoyed our walking tour before heading to the Roman Baths. I always forget how amazing they are, and how they were also a huge religious site. I also noticed how, like with the pagan holidays adapted to Christian ones during the middle ages, the Romans dedicated the temple to the Roman Goddess Minerva (goddess of springs), but kept the town name Aquae Sulis. Sulis was the Celtic goddess of springs, and had been the deity 'in residence' prior to the Romans' arrival. So again I was fascinated by the hybrid nature of the place. Amazing. There's also a 'gorgon' head, which has very much Celtic features rather than Roman. I really recommend it!!
Oh, forgot to mention on Thursday I also went over to Bath to hang with some colleagues from work, and enjoyed some gypsy music for a few hours! I've been quite sociable!!
Feeling a bit better, but still not happy at work. Having mentioned I'd be interested in a full-time teaching position if it came available, I was disappointed when my boss announced that a former colleague had accepted a position, as of September. Not sure whether to say anything but I think I should mention even in the friendliest of terms...
*sigh* I can just see nothing coming of my talking about it. It's clear from previous colleagues that they just don't want to hear it. I think I'll have a look around and see what's available..
I'm out, it's bedtime.
Had a busy weekend, with drinks after work for a colleague who was leaving, setting up the barbecue/ karaoke for the adults then rushing up to Henbury to run a disco for the teens before heading back for some karaoke goodness. I was told that I was the best DJ ever, by a group of too cool for school Turkish 14 year olds. Praise indeed!!
Saturday I woke up to torrential rain and my heart sank, as I was off to Bath for the day with the adult students. Luckily, once we arrived in Bath the weather wasn't so bad so we enjoyed our walking tour before heading to the Roman Baths. I always forget how amazing they are, and how they were also a huge religious site. I also noticed how, like with the pagan holidays adapted to Christian ones during the middle ages, the Romans dedicated the temple to the Roman Goddess Minerva (goddess of springs), but kept the town name Aquae Sulis. Sulis was the Celtic goddess of springs, and had been the deity 'in residence' prior to the Romans' arrival. So again I was fascinated by the hybrid nature of the place. Amazing. There's also a 'gorgon' head, which has very much Celtic features rather than Roman. I really recommend it!!
Oh, forgot to mention on Thursday I also went over to Bath to hang with some colleagues from work, and enjoyed some gypsy music for a few hours! I've been quite sociable!!
Feeling a bit better, but still not happy at work. Having mentioned I'd be interested in a full-time teaching position if it came available, I was disappointed when my boss announced that a former colleague had accepted a position, as of September. Not sure whether to say anything but I think I should mention even in the friendliest of terms...
*sigh* I can just see nothing coming of my talking about it. It's clear from previous colleagues that they just don't want to hear it. I think I'll have a look around and see what's available..
I'm out, it's bedtime.
Tuesday 10 August 2010
keep on keeping on!
I don't have really much to say, that's why I've not been blogging much I guess.
Things are ticking over, I'm just feeling a bit blue lately, not myself, and self-fulfilling prophecy of isolation I guess which is a bit stupid since I'm out and about quite a lot!! Was home over the weekend, and caught up with some old friends - thanks so much, it was great to see you!! Trying to arrange to catch up with various people, I'm loving being back in the UK.. after being abroad for so long, chatting to friends and arranging to meet in 2 weeks or 3 weeks time is so beautiful.
I've booked up a few things for the autumn so I'm looking forward to that and hoping to see my lad a bit more than expected which is great, yay :)
After investigating PGCEs, I'm going to need a good level of French for entry to most universities. Not the one I'd most like to go to, but I've decided I might as well just learn it, and then I've got it for life. I don't think it should be too difficult for me to grasp with my background of Romance languages. In fact, although I haven't studied it for 13 yrs, I came out with a level of Intermediate on an online proficiency test!!! So I'm looking to have classes with Alliance Francaise as I think they can push me towards an AS level equivalent exam over the next year.
It's funny (but necessary I suppose) how certain you are about decisions you make, and how they often don't turn out right. I keep thinking the next decision will be the one where I finally feel settled and right and comfortable. It's funny how I really did this time last year, and almost wish I had stayed (financially unstable as I was) as the job that was tenuous back then actually would have materialised, but on the other hand I've learnt so much over the past year. I've parted ways with some people, and met other fantastic people and one special person so I can't regret my decision at all! But sometimes would like to have a bit of that back. Although perhaps I have rose-tinted specs because I'm sure it wasn't as sunny as I imagine, and I had even less money than I do now, and various other contending factors..
So... who knows. But life is definitely a journey. And at the moment it definitely has felt more like a rollercoaster. But I'll look back on now in a few years time and be thankful for it and appreciate it with the 20/20 vision we always have (as evidenced in the previous paragraph!!)
On a positive note, I'm possibly off to Bath on Thursday evening with my friend from work, and Friday is the BBQ and karaoke with the students which is always fun. On Saturday I'm off on a trip with our lovely adults to Bath, and Saturday night and Sunday I'm planning on fully enjoying the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
I must also say that it was wonderful seeing my family a few weeks ago. I wish we all lived nearer. Grandad was in fine fettle (as they say), on great form and it was lovely to see him so well and happy after two pretty rough years. He told me he doesn't feel a bit like 80 years old! He really is inspiring.
Things are ticking over, I'm just feeling a bit blue lately, not myself, and self-fulfilling prophecy of isolation I guess which is a bit stupid since I'm out and about quite a lot!! Was home over the weekend, and caught up with some old friends - thanks so much, it was great to see you!! Trying to arrange to catch up with various people, I'm loving being back in the UK.. after being abroad for so long, chatting to friends and arranging to meet in 2 weeks or 3 weeks time is so beautiful.
I've booked up a few things for the autumn so I'm looking forward to that and hoping to see my lad a bit more than expected which is great, yay :)
After investigating PGCEs, I'm going to need a good level of French for entry to most universities. Not the one I'd most like to go to, but I've decided I might as well just learn it, and then I've got it for life. I don't think it should be too difficult for me to grasp with my background of Romance languages. In fact, although I haven't studied it for 13 yrs, I came out with a level of Intermediate on an online proficiency test!!! So I'm looking to have classes with Alliance Francaise as I think they can push me towards an AS level equivalent exam over the next year.
It's funny (but necessary I suppose) how certain you are about decisions you make, and how they often don't turn out right. I keep thinking the next decision will be the one where I finally feel settled and right and comfortable. It's funny how I really did this time last year, and almost wish I had stayed (financially unstable as I was) as the job that was tenuous back then actually would have materialised, but on the other hand I've learnt so much over the past year. I've parted ways with some people, and met other fantastic people and one special person so I can't regret my decision at all! But sometimes would like to have a bit of that back. Although perhaps I have rose-tinted specs because I'm sure it wasn't as sunny as I imagine, and I had even less money than I do now, and various other contending factors..
So... who knows. But life is definitely a journey. And at the moment it definitely has felt more like a rollercoaster. But I'll look back on now in a few years time and be thankful for it and appreciate it with the 20/20 vision we always have (as evidenced in the previous paragraph!!)
On a positive note, I'm possibly off to Bath on Thursday evening with my friend from work, and Friday is the BBQ and karaoke with the students which is always fun. On Saturday I'm off on a trip with our lovely adults to Bath, and Saturday night and Sunday I'm planning on fully enjoying the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
I must also say that it was wonderful seeing my family a few weeks ago. I wish we all lived nearer. Grandad was in fine fettle (as they say), on great form and it was lovely to see him so well and happy after two pretty rough years. He told me he doesn't feel a bit like 80 years old! He really is inspiring.
Friday 30 July 2010
still going!
it's not really got better... I'm just one person taking on a whole lot of responsibility; a lot of the school's reputation depends on me doing my job well. And jus one person, who is a teacher, doing it. I think it's a bit silly really! Gonna see out the summer and then have a word. I'm jus not passionate about booking buses and going into work is now a chore, where it once was a joy (when i was teaching). Even in saudi i mostly enjoyed the lessons, or at least the small chunks of the lessons that i actually, succcessfully taught them something.
Anyhoos, i've made a bit of a decision. The good think about difficult situations, be it a job you don't like or a personal situation that makes you unhappy, it really helps you to see the direction you really want to go in. So, i'm finally going to apply to do my PGCE next year, and will probably move to the northwest to do it. For various reasons really but a change is as good as a rest. I love Bristol but don't feel as close as I did and i guess things here aren't really as great as i'd like them to be, work wise in particular (annoying how much working colours your life & your experience of it, isn't it?!), but also homelife & socially... So we'll see what happens but i'm gonna get onto it once the application process starts again.
This weekend, in fact in about 5hrs, i'm going up to Geordieland with my parents, to see my Grandad. It was his 80th birthday on Thursday. He's had a rough couple of years what with my Grandma dying almost 2yrs ago, and his health being very poor over Christmas, so we're delighted he's made this great milestone!!
Well, i'd better catch some Zs before we have to be up and on the road!
Night!!x
Anyhoos, i've made a bit of a decision. The good think about difficult situations, be it a job you don't like or a personal situation that makes you unhappy, it really helps you to see the direction you really want to go in. So, i'm finally going to apply to do my PGCE next year, and will probably move to the northwest to do it. For various reasons really but a change is as good as a rest. I love Bristol but don't feel as close as I did and i guess things here aren't really as great as i'd like them to be, work wise in particular (annoying how much working colours your life & your experience of it, isn't it?!), but also homelife & socially... So we'll see what happens but i'm gonna get onto it once the application process starts again.
This weekend, in fact in about 5hrs, i'm going up to Geordieland with my parents, to see my Grandad. It was his 80th birthday on Thursday. He's had a rough couple of years what with my Grandma dying almost 2yrs ago, and his health being very poor over Christmas, so we're delighted he's made this great milestone!!
Well, i'd better catch some Zs before we have to be up and on the road!
Night!!x
Saturday 17 July 2010
fed up
Feeling a bit down in the dumps after my crappy week continues into the weekend.
I'm tired, got in late after the BBQ/ Karaoke event last night. Went for a drink after with a couple of students which was really chilled, had a good chat. But woken up by one of my housemates shouting at another at 8am, then lotsa loud music from about 10.30. I can see the same thing happening again tonight, and I need to get up early tomorrow to take a bunch of kids to Birmingham. Back to work on Monday, and on a trip on Saturday so that'll be 7 days straight!! Awesome.
Had a work-related phonecall too, one of the bookings I made hadn't been written down and an agreement to invoice us not recorded so had to pay by CC over the phone, and they didn't get on the boat until 90 mins after they should have. Horrible. I hate constantly worrying and thinking about work in my down time!
Booked my flights to Scotland for mid-September and early October, can't wait. I need to get a couple of lovely wedding outfits.
Can't believe how much pressure there is. I've had some thorough rants over the past coupla days with various people at work who also feel the same, frustrated and pressurised. So many students (at capacity pretty much on both sites) but no extra help has been brought in for the admin team. It's a bit of a mare, in my opinion, everyone looked ragged and tired and stressed.
Hoping to go out for a little drink tonight with a colleague and then an early start tomorrow. Wondering what else is gonna go wrong though?
I'm tired, got in late after the BBQ/ Karaoke event last night. Went for a drink after with a couple of students which was really chilled, had a good chat. But woken up by one of my housemates shouting at another at 8am, then lotsa loud music from about 10.30. I can see the same thing happening again tonight, and I need to get up early tomorrow to take a bunch of kids to Birmingham. Back to work on Monday, and on a trip on Saturday so that'll be 7 days straight!! Awesome.
Had a work-related phonecall too, one of the bookings I made hadn't been written down and an agreement to invoice us not recorded so had to pay by CC over the phone, and they didn't get on the boat until 90 mins after they should have. Horrible. I hate constantly worrying and thinking about work in my down time!
Booked my flights to Scotland for mid-September and early October, can't wait. I need to get a couple of lovely wedding outfits.
Can't believe how much pressure there is. I've had some thorough rants over the past coupla days with various people at work who also feel the same, frustrated and pressurised. So many students (at capacity pretty much on both sites) but no extra help has been brought in for the admin team. It's a bit of a mare, in my opinion, everyone looked ragged and tired and stressed.
Hoping to go out for a little drink tonight with a colleague and then an early start tomorrow. Wondering what else is gonna go wrong though?
Tuesday 13 July 2010
Niqab..
This is a theme that I mentioned a little in my old blog, when I was living in Saudi Arabia.
I've just read that France have passed the law prohibiting women from covering their faces in public.
Although it seems it was inevitable in a country that takes so much pride in its secular nature, I still feel disappointed and a little distressed on behalf of the women who cover. The BBC article I read says that most of the approximately 2,000 women who wear a niqab or a burkha in France are recent converts. To me that implies that most of these are probably French-born. The fact that the law has been passed shows such ignorance and disrespect of Islam.
In Saudi Arabia, most women I met were forced by law to cover their hair. Most covered their faces too, but more due to the culture than being made to by their male relations, or anything like this. Most of these women, however, the minute they leave Saudi, would uncover their faces. It is a minority of women who choose to cover their faces, but it is something, in their own interpretation of the Qu'ran and the teachings of the Prophet, that they are obliged to do. Whether or not we, as non-Muslims, agree with it is irrelevant. I feel just as strongly about all women (Muslim and non-Muslim) being forced to wear an abaya in Saudi. Just because it is your belief, does not mean I must share it. The same is true, in my opinion, in both countries. Although, in Saudi Arabia, I may choose to wear an abaya in order to 'fit in' more, I do not see why I should be impelled to do so. Similarly, although there was no law enforcing women to cover their faces, I did cover my face on occasion in order not to attract so much attention.
It is probably naive of me to say this, but why can't we just let people be. Banning women from covering their faces is being hailed as an expression of French identity. But I feel as though prohibiting the wearing of a niqab is almost worse than forcing someone to wear it. (although in both cases, it is sold to the woman as "protecting" her). It says in the article that in the wording of the legislation itself, no mention is made of burkhas or niqabs. Will that mean people will be forbidden from wearing fancy-dress masks that cover their faces??
Belgium and Spain will both be looking at the reaction to this news with interest, as both countries are also interested in introducing similar legislation. I hope they are able to make the mature decision of NOT following in France's footsteps.
I've just read that France have passed the law prohibiting women from covering their faces in public.
Although it seems it was inevitable in a country that takes so much pride in its secular nature, I still feel disappointed and a little distressed on behalf of the women who cover. The BBC article I read says that most of the approximately 2,000 women who wear a niqab or a burkha in France are recent converts. To me that implies that most of these are probably French-born. The fact that the law has been passed shows such ignorance and disrespect of Islam.
In Saudi Arabia, most women I met were forced by law to cover their hair. Most covered their faces too, but more due to the culture than being made to by their male relations, or anything like this. Most of these women, however, the minute they leave Saudi, would uncover their faces. It is a minority of women who choose to cover their faces, but it is something, in their own interpretation of the Qu'ran and the teachings of the Prophet, that they are obliged to do. Whether or not we, as non-Muslims, agree with it is irrelevant. I feel just as strongly about all women (Muslim and non-Muslim) being forced to wear an abaya in Saudi. Just because it is your belief, does not mean I must share it. The same is true, in my opinion, in both countries. Although, in Saudi Arabia, I may choose to wear an abaya in order to 'fit in' more, I do not see why I should be impelled to do so. Similarly, although there was no law enforcing women to cover their faces, I did cover my face on occasion in order not to attract so much attention.
It is probably naive of me to say this, but why can't we just let people be. Banning women from covering their faces is being hailed as an expression of French identity. But I feel as though prohibiting the wearing of a niqab is almost worse than forcing someone to wear it. (although in both cases, it is sold to the woman as "protecting" her). It says in the article that in the wording of the legislation itself, no mention is made of burkhas or niqabs. Will that mean people will be forbidden from wearing fancy-dress masks that cover their faces??
Belgium and Spain will both be looking at the reaction to this news with interest, as both countries are also interested in introducing similar legislation. I hope they are able to make the mature decision of NOT following in France's footsteps.
Monday 12 July 2010
uuuuufffff
another thwarted early night!
After a fairly chilled weekend, it was back to work with a bump today. Sent on emergency cover again today, to come back into a snappy email regarding my holiday request, followed by information about a massive communication breakdown leading to a fairly large f*** up over the wknd, not my fault but it got put onto me. I know i'm doing a pretty good job bt i don't know if i can carry on with it, i don't really like admin, that's why i became a teacher, and being in the classroom on friday & a bit this morning reminded me again. It's a bit frustrating. but i suppose it's ok for now, i'm jus not passionate about organising and budgeting and printing and typing up... Slightly dogsbodyish feeling too, can i 'just' type up this, or rearrange that, or go & do the other...
well, jus a few things on my mind. Feeling a little solitary and down today i guess. Hope tomorrow is better. Also wish my housemates would pipe down at this time of night. Seriously.
Anyway, i'm gonna try to get up early tomo and do some yoga, think i need it.
After a fairly chilled weekend, it was back to work with a bump today. Sent on emergency cover again today, to come back into a snappy email regarding my holiday request, followed by information about a massive communication breakdown leading to a fairly large f*** up over the wknd, not my fault but it got put onto me. I know i'm doing a pretty good job bt i don't know if i can carry on with it, i don't really like admin, that's why i became a teacher, and being in the classroom on friday & a bit this morning reminded me again. It's a bit frustrating. but i suppose it's ok for now, i'm jus not passionate about organising and budgeting and printing and typing up... Slightly dogsbodyish feeling too, can i 'just' type up this, or rearrange that, or go & do the other...
well, jus a few things on my mind. Feeling a little solitary and down today i guess. Hope tomorrow is better. Also wish my housemates would pipe down at this time of night. Seriously.
Anyway, i'm gonna try to get up early tomo and do some yoga, think i need it.
Monday 5 July 2010
oops
Hi all,
Wah, it's been ages since I posted. The end of June passed fairly uneventfully, save for a great evening catching up with an old friend & colleague who has been working out in Spain this past year. His experience abroad was somehow opposite to mine in that he grew to love it. it was great to swap our very different stories and to thank him for the advice and support he gave me on my last blog. I really appreciated it!
Work has been really busy but now at the beginning of July I'm feeling much more on top of things which is great. Had a relaxing, sunbarhy weekend a week ago and spent this last weekend karaoke and singstar-ing with students, then at St Pauls carnival on Saturday. Sunday I went home to see my parents, and had a lovely walk/sit by the Thames watching the boats go by on their way homr from Henley Regatta.
Right now, I can't sleep. I have really random thoughts going round my head, think I've been watching too much How I Met Your Mother and bizarrely worrying about how on earth Cristiano Ronaldo plans is going to bring up a baby on his own? Money can't buy stability or normality.. My head is a strange place!
In other exciting news, I'm going to see Twilight: Eclipse next week. I'm reaaaally looking forward to it, and also because I'm hoping they'll be showing the latest Harry Potter trailer, weeeeee!!!!
Anyhoos, I jus wondered whether blogging some of the garble in my head would help me sleep. Apologies for any typos, I'm using my phone to write this and for some annoying reason it won't show me the line I'm typing... very dangerous business having permanent (nearly) access to the internet...
For now though, enough of my ramblings.
Niiiiight!
Wah, it's been ages since I posted. The end of June passed fairly uneventfully, save for a great evening catching up with an old friend & colleague who has been working out in Spain this past year. His experience abroad was somehow opposite to mine in that he grew to love it. it was great to swap our very different stories and to thank him for the advice and support he gave me on my last blog. I really appreciated it!
Work has been really busy but now at the beginning of July I'm feeling much more on top of things which is great. Had a relaxing, sunbarhy weekend a week ago and spent this last weekend karaoke and singstar-ing with students, then at St Pauls carnival on Saturday. Sunday I went home to see my parents, and had a lovely walk/sit by the Thames watching the boats go by on their way homr from Henley Regatta.
Right now, I can't sleep. I have really random thoughts going round my head, think I've been watching too much How I Met Your Mother and bizarrely worrying about how on earth Cristiano Ronaldo plans is going to bring up a baby on his own? Money can't buy stability or normality.. My head is a strange place!
In other exciting news, I'm going to see Twilight: Eclipse next week. I'm reaaaally looking forward to it, and also because I'm hoping they'll be showing the latest Harry Potter trailer, weeeeee!!!!
Anyhoos, I jus wondered whether blogging some of the garble in my head would help me sleep. Apologies for any typos, I'm using my phone to write this and for some annoying reason it won't show me the line I'm typing... very dangerous business having permanent (nearly) access to the internet...
For now though, enough of my ramblings.
Niiiiight!
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Egypt!!
A really quick post, like a postcard I suppose!!
Egypt was great, really hot and amazing to be by the Red Sea. We managed some snorkelling, including a boat trip to some reefs, and we went quad-biking in the Sinai Desert at sunset which was cool, very dusty but a great experience.
We chilled a lot on the beach, sunbathed a bit, and watched some World Cup matches, yay!!
Tragically though two baby birds fell out of their nest above our balcony and died on our terrace. We buried one during half-time of an important footie game, but the other one wasn't so lucky :( It was quite distressing, but reception didn't respond to my asking them to please move the nest :(
Had a good early evening out in Na'ama bay on the last day, but ate something bad and have been suffering for 3 days. I'm still feeling pretty grotty but went into work today, meant to have an early night tonight but having nasty stomach cramps so I'm still up. Gaahhh!!!!!
Anyway, I need to go to Ikea and catch up with some friends this weekend. One of my friends is coming to stay the night before an interview on Monday, so it'll be good to catch up with her too!
That's all for now folks, I'm beat. Night!x
Egypt was great, really hot and amazing to be by the Red Sea. We managed some snorkelling, including a boat trip to some reefs, and we went quad-biking in the Sinai Desert at sunset which was cool, very dusty but a great experience.
We chilled a lot on the beach, sunbathed a bit, and watched some World Cup matches, yay!!
Tragically though two baby birds fell out of their nest above our balcony and died on our terrace. We buried one during half-time of an important footie game, but the other one wasn't so lucky :( It was quite distressing, but reception didn't respond to my asking them to please move the nest :(
Had a good early evening out in Na'ama bay on the last day, but ate something bad and have been suffering for 3 days. I'm still feeling pretty grotty but went into work today, meant to have an early night tonight but having nasty stomach cramps so I'm still up. Gaahhh!!!!!
Anyway, I need to go to Ikea and catch up with some friends this weekend. One of my friends is coming to stay the night before an interview on Monday, so it'll be good to catch up with her too!
That's all for now folks, I'm beat. Night!x
Sunday 13 June 2010
Eeeegypt!!
This time tomorrow I'll be arriving at Gatwick airport!!
Managed to get all my work done (I hope) on Friday so I came home to Prestwood for a nice weekend break. I was supposed to head back to Bristol this afternoon but I haven't gone back yet... The lure of drinking wine was too great (and much too nice an evening to spend in the car).
Yesterday we went for a long walk along the Thames from Hambledon to Henley-on-Thames with some family friends, and had an amazing lunch at a lovely Spanish restaurant. The walk back was difficult because we were so full (three courses for £12.50??!!!! It's daft to refuse dessert...), although it probably burnt some calories, which would have been much needed, hehe :)
After a light dinner, we watched England vs. USA. What a boring game. I actually thought the Americans played pretty well.. Rooney kept very quiet... I strongly hope Capello gives them a good talking-to over the next few days, we need wins!!!
This morning I read the papers and Mum cooked a lovely roast beef lunch. We went for a walk and since then I've had a relaxing afternoon, thinking about driving back to Bristol and deciding not to, Skyping my laddie and just watched the film Miss Potter - such a touching story.
Anyway, I think I'll probably head back to Bristol tomorrow morning after sorting some things out. My bus to Gatwick is at 3, and my flight leaves at 10pm tomorrow!!!
I'll blog when I get back! Ma'a salaama for now!!
Managed to get all my work done (I hope) on Friday so I came home to Prestwood for a nice weekend break. I was supposed to head back to Bristol this afternoon but I haven't gone back yet... The lure of drinking wine was too great (and much too nice an evening to spend in the car).
Yesterday we went for a long walk along the Thames from Hambledon to Henley-on-Thames with some family friends, and had an amazing lunch at a lovely Spanish restaurant. The walk back was difficult because we were so full (three courses for £12.50??!!!! It's daft to refuse dessert...), although it probably burnt some calories, which would have been much needed, hehe :)
After a light dinner, we watched England vs. USA. What a boring game. I actually thought the Americans played pretty well.. Rooney kept very quiet... I strongly hope Capello gives them a good talking-to over the next few days, we need wins!!!
This morning I read the papers and Mum cooked a lovely roast beef lunch. We went for a walk and since then I've had a relaxing afternoon, thinking about driving back to Bristol and deciding not to, Skyping my laddie and just watched the film Miss Potter - such a touching story.
Anyway, I think I'll probably head back to Bristol tomorrow morning after sorting some things out. My bus to Gatwick is at 3, and my flight leaves at 10pm tomorrow!!!
I'll blog when I get back! Ma'a salaama for now!!
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Spanglish
I've just found this blog through an article I read on the BBC. It's so funny, because this Spanglish is, quite often, how my brain sounds.
A lot of the time, I want to say things, but I have to speak in English and it somehow doesn't quite come out how I meant it. It's a bit stupid, since I'm only a native English speaker who acquired Spanish in the last 10-15 years, but I did so much growing up during my time in South America (both times, 18-19 yrs old and 21-22), that it is entrenched in my internal communication.
Speaking in Spanish (even if it's just to myself) helps me to remind myself of grammar and the sound of the language, and I actually speak a kind of Spanglish at times with at least three of my friends (some of whom I lived with in Peru). It, like the BBC article says, gives us more nuances - with all the vocabulary of these two huge languages we can truly express what we want to say. (As well as that, it makes us laugh... and psychologically the idea of three native English speakers speaking in Spanish or Spanglish a good chunk of the time is probably very interesting!!!)
Anyway, I'm too tired to go into this much more for now but it's something I might come back to - maybe one day I'll post an entry in whatever language(s) the words come out in!!
A lot of the time, I want to say things, but I have to speak in English and it somehow doesn't quite come out how I meant it. It's a bit stupid, since I'm only a native English speaker who acquired Spanish in the last 10-15 years, but I did so much growing up during my time in South America (both times, 18-19 yrs old and 21-22), that it is entrenched in my internal communication.
Speaking in Spanish (even if it's just to myself) helps me to remind myself of grammar and the sound of the language, and I actually speak a kind of Spanglish at times with at least three of my friends (some of whom I lived with in Peru). It, like the BBC article says, gives us more nuances - with all the vocabulary of these two huge languages we can truly express what we want to say. (As well as that, it makes us laugh... and psychologically the idea of three native English speakers speaking in Spanish or Spanglish a good chunk of the time is probably very interesting!!!)
Anyway, I'm too tired to go into this much more for now but it's something I might come back to - maybe one day I'll post an entry in whatever language(s) the words come out in!!
Tuesday 8 June 2010
busy!!
The weekend was toooo short!!!!!
BBQ and Karaoke on Friday was great, with me and my colleague kicking off the singing in fine style. Songs sung by us and the students ranged from "What goes around" by Mr. JT, to "With or Without You", to "Paparazzi", to "Yellow Submarine". Obligatory numbers were "Macarena" by the Spanish bunch, "Volare" from the Italians, and a new entry from the Turks, "Kiss Kiss" (yes, that Holly Valance classic... apparently it's a rip-off of an old Turkish number).
Saturday was an early start after just 6 hrs sleep, and off to London with 43 Italian teenagers. After walking down to Buckingham Palace & on to Westminster, we parted ways at Trafalgar Square, and the Italians hit the shops. I went to meet an old uni friend for coffee, then hit Waterstone's for some holiday reading, and then sat in the park next to Buckingham Palace to read a book in the sunshine. Headed back on time thank God! I went straight out to the staff dinner at Bangkok House, an amazing Thai restaurant, and enjoyed some good banter with my colleagues before a couple of us went onto the pub for a couple more drinks. Dancing followed before we headed home.
I was exhausted so after a (very) long lie-in on Sunday I pottered around, picked up my car and then just watched LOADS of How I Met Your Mother, love it, a lot!!
Two days at work and I'm getting through some good stuff. Had a really constructive meeting with my boss who's impressed with me, yay, and managing to somehow be quite knowledgeable and organised. All good, so I'm feeling pretty content with it all.
So, anyway, I'm off to watch some TV or read my book for a bit, and then hit the hay!!
BBQ and Karaoke on Friday was great, with me and my colleague kicking off the singing in fine style. Songs sung by us and the students ranged from "What goes around" by Mr. JT, to "With or Without You", to "Paparazzi", to "Yellow Submarine". Obligatory numbers were "Macarena" by the Spanish bunch, "Volare" from the Italians, and a new entry from the Turks, "Kiss Kiss" (yes, that Holly Valance classic... apparently it's a rip-off of an old Turkish number).
Saturday was an early start after just 6 hrs sleep, and off to London with 43 Italian teenagers. After walking down to Buckingham Palace & on to Westminster, we parted ways at Trafalgar Square, and the Italians hit the shops. I went to meet an old uni friend for coffee, then hit Waterstone's for some holiday reading, and then sat in the park next to Buckingham Palace to read a book in the sunshine. Headed back on time thank God! I went straight out to the staff dinner at Bangkok House, an amazing Thai restaurant, and enjoyed some good banter with my colleagues before a couple of us went onto the pub for a couple more drinks. Dancing followed before we headed home.
I was exhausted so after a (very) long lie-in on Sunday I pottered around, picked up my car and then just watched LOADS of How I Met Your Mother, love it, a lot!!
Two days at work and I'm getting through some good stuff. Had a really constructive meeting with my boss who's impressed with me, yay, and managing to somehow be quite knowledgeable and organised. All good, so I'm feeling pretty content with it all.
So, anyway, I'm off to watch some TV or read my book for a bit, and then hit the hay!!
Thursday 3 June 2010
phew.. and it's only thursday
It's been a busy busy week since I last posted.
Didn't do much over the long weekend and after a crappy day at work on Tuesday the rest of the week has been much better but just very busy!!!
Tomorrow I prob won't go home from work as we're doing a barbecue and karaoke that all needs setting up, onions chopped etc... and unlikely to finish before 11pm. Then I'm up early on Saturday to take 43 Italian teenagers to London, leaving here at 8am and getting back around 9pm. Blaaarhh!!!!!!!
Anyhoos, I'll deserve my Sunday!! And maybe some yogaaaaa yay!
xxx
Didn't do much over the long weekend and after a crappy day at work on Tuesday the rest of the week has been much better but just very busy!!!
Tomorrow I prob won't go home from work as we're doing a barbecue and karaoke that all needs setting up, onions chopped etc... and unlikely to finish before 11pm. Then I'm up early on Saturday to take 43 Italian teenagers to London, leaving here at 8am and getting back around 9pm. Blaaarhh!!!!!!!
Anyhoos, I'll deserve my Sunday!! And maybe some yogaaaaa yay!
xxx
Sunday 30 May 2010
Woo!!
Finally moved in yesterday, and no sooner had I dumped my stuff in my new room, than I was off to the harbourside to hit the Vegan and Veggie Fayre with my new housemates. Had a good afternoon and evening, eating veggie food, drinking organic cider and listening to music. Roots Manuva was on at about 9.30, which was awesome given the entry price of £7!!!
Feeling quite chilled, today I unpacked my stuff and did a mammoth shop to stock my cupboards with healthy stuff, and cleaning supplies, and some irresistible pretty gerberas in pots for my windowsill! It's getting there, just need to bring my rugs from home, and maybe get some posters for the wall.
The other day I bought tickets for Xavier Rudd in August, and Cat Empire in October, and today I bought Xavier and Laura Marling's new album. Love, love, love it all so far.
I'm finally feeling a little more grounded, and looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.
2 weeks until I'm off to Egypt to see my laddie!!
Tomorrow, a bonus day off!!!!!!!! LOVE Bank Holidays!!!!
Feeling quite chilled, today I unpacked my stuff and did a mammoth shop to stock my cupboards with healthy stuff, and cleaning supplies, and some irresistible pretty gerberas in pots for my windowsill! It's getting there, just need to bring my rugs from home, and maybe get some posters for the wall.
The other day I bought tickets for Xavier Rudd in August, and Cat Empire in October, and today I bought Xavier and Laura Marling's new album. Love, love, love it all so far.
I'm finally feeling a little more grounded, and looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.
2 weeks until I'm off to Egypt to see my laddie!!
Tomorrow, a bonus day off!!!!!!!! LOVE Bank Holidays!!!!
Thursday 27 May 2010
Long week..
It's been a long, long week! I've not been sleeping well, and while it's not really that unusual, I guess it's just meant that I've found it a little more difficult to slot into, as it were.
I've seen about 7 or 8 different rooms, most of which were kind of grotty even though professionals in their mid-late twenties were living there. I don't really get that... Anyway, I went to one viewing last night, the guys seem cool and laid-back, and the room is nice, not huge but just enough. So I said I was interested, and they are too, et voila. Just waiting to find out when I can move in (hopefully asap!!)
Looking forward to giving my stuff (and me!) a home, and then I can start getting settled, yoga, capoeira maybe, catching up with friends and enjoying Bristol.
Oooh, my pizza's nearly ready (healthy day - no breakfast, KFC for lunch, pizza for dinner, go me!!)
I've seen about 7 or 8 different rooms, most of which were kind of grotty even though professionals in their mid-late twenties were living there. I don't really get that... Anyway, I went to one viewing last night, the guys seem cool and laid-back, and the room is nice, not huge but just enough. So I said I was interested, and they are too, et voila. Just waiting to find out when I can move in (hopefully asap!!)
Looking forward to giving my stuff (and me!) a home, and then I can start getting settled, yoga, capoeira maybe, catching up with friends and enjoying Bristol.
Oooh, my pizza's nearly ready (healthy day - no breakfast, KFC for lunch, pizza for dinner, go me!!)
Wednesday 26 May 2010
First post...
I realised JUST NOW that I quite miss blogging, as I did when I was in Saudi Arabia (see jaclynofarabia.blogspot.com).
I've been back in the UK for less than 4 weeks and it already feels like a long time ago.. I've been SO lucky, as I managed to get a new job within a fortnight, and I also bought my very own car!!! The only thing left is to find a nice room to rent... the search is ongoing for now, so I'm staying at my friend's house :)
Anyway, I'm just about to go to another viewing so I'll post more about the job and stuff later :)
I've been back in the UK for less than 4 weeks and it already feels like a long time ago.. I've been SO lucky, as I managed to get a new job within a fortnight, and I also bought my very own car!!! The only thing left is to find a nice room to rent... the search is ongoing for now, so I'm staying at my friend's house :)
Anyway, I'm just about to go to another viewing so I'll post more about the job and stuff later :)
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