Monday, December 25, 2006
Season's Greetings
How strange it seems, I have spent an hour on a sunbed with a good book soaking up the warm sun here in Coin, Spain.
How depressing to think that we are flying home to a cold house and unpacking. Still, we've had a lovely time, seen some lovely places, visited friends, rested, relaxed, eaten lots of yummy things and dreamt the eternal dream of owning a finca out here en el campo. One day...
Merry Christmas Bloggers!
May it be a peaceful and happy day.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The hard work pays off!
Been rather busy, so here's a summary of what I've been up to this month:
14th December: passed both my science courses with Pass 2s. That I now have a Batchelor of Science degree!! After 6 years of hard work! Yippee! Not as excited as I thought I would be and have to remind myself that it is a big achievement. Perhaps it will sink in soon.
15th December: flew to Spain in the early hours. Hello sunshine, goodbye rain!
17th December: spent a few hours at Tivoli World in Benalmadena where I was persuaded to at least be brave enough to go on the log flume. I survived...a little drenched and heart apounding, vowing never to experience such a steep drop again! Kids loved it. My favourite was the traditional bumpercars, but unlike in safety conscious England you could drive in any direction and bump as many times as you liked! Temperatures reached 24 degrees today, bliss.
18th December: eat as much Chinese as you like at the Wok, Fuengirola. Yum!
19th December: lazy day. Hoping to sit on a sun lounger with a good book and ponder what to study next year, having decided I can't stop at a BSc, my mind is too active and it needs educational input to be healthy.
14th December: passed both my science courses with Pass 2s. That I now have a Batchelor of Science degree!! After 6 years of hard work! Yippee! Not as excited as I thought I would be and have to remind myself that it is a big achievement. Perhaps it will sink in soon.
15th December: flew to Spain in the early hours. Hello sunshine, goodbye rain!
17th December: spent a few hours at Tivoli World in Benalmadena where I was persuaded to at least be brave enough to go on the log flume. I survived...a little drenched and heart apounding, vowing never to experience such a steep drop again! Kids loved it. My favourite was the traditional bumpercars, but unlike in safety conscious England you could drive in any direction and bump as many times as you liked! Temperatures reached 24 degrees today, bliss.
18th December: eat as much Chinese as you like at the Wok, Fuengirola. Yum!
19th December: lazy day. Hoping to sit on a sun lounger with a good book and ponder what to study next year, having decided I can't stop at a BSc, my mind is too active and it needs educational input to be healthy.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Party
Hub's Xmas party was fab. 3 course meal was yummy, had a good boogie and only drank enough to loosen up and not feel ill the next morning!
Ah yes, forgot to say, I went and bought another black dress! This one was perfect, decent straps, waist and just below the knee. Felt wonderful in it, unlike the other dresses!
Like the hair? New Year brings new colour, out with the bleach, in with something closer to my natural colour. The tinsel? Well, why not, no one said what we were to do with it when it was put on the table!
No exam results yet . I have probably refreshed my student home page in excess of 50 times over the past 5 days. Good job I'm back to work tomorrow, it's driving me potty! I had two days off last week as Sam was under the weather with a virus that caused the lymph node in his neck to swell up to a little bigger than cherry tomato size. He thought it was a tumour, you should have seen the relief on his face when the doctor explained what it was!
Weather....not impressed with these high winds and rain....we fly to Malaga on Friday and I'm hoping for minimal turbulence! Sam and Katie are hoping for no terrorism. Scarey what they pick up on, Katie in particular. I try to prevent her from seeing the news as she has a vivid imagination, but still she hears what goes on.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Claim to fame?
I am going to be on Radio Kent tomorrow morning at about 7.30am. It won't be wonderful though, just a load of old waffle that came off the top of my head. The Head asked for a teacher, myself (in my capacity as a parent not an HLTA) and some other parents to speak to Radio Kent about our school's Outstanding OFSTED report.
I had to state my name (shame, I would have preferred to remain anonymous knowing that I wouldn't really know what to say once prestented with the microphone!), and talk about my daughter and how she is 'thriving' (wish I'd thought to use that word!) at our school and what the school getting an outstanding OFSTED report meant to me as a parent.
Can't wait to hear what I came up with because I can't think for the life of me what I said (other than who I am and who my daughter is, LOL!). I'll probably cringe!
I had to state my name (shame, I would have preferred to remain anonymous knowing that I wouldn't really know what to say once prestented with the microphone!), and talk about my daughter and how she is 'thriving' (wish I'd thought to use that word!) at our school and what the school getting an outstanding OFSTED report meant to me as a parent.
Can't wait to hear what I came up with because I can't think for the life of me what I said (other than who I am and who my daughter is, LOL!). I'll probably cringe!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
More shopping!
Never content!
Went back to the shops today and returned dress 1 (didn't like the neckline) and dress 2 (again, didn't like the neckline, made me look like a chunk!).
Came home with one more dress to think about. I like this one as much as I like dress 3, although I do think I look less slim in this new dress than in dress 3, possibly because if the white band around the middle?
Anyway, here's dress 4! See what you think...bow in various positions, and dress without the bow! And Kat, I tried to smile but I do hate getting party clothes (stressful!), I'd much rather stick with my jeans!
Went back to the shops today and returned dress 1 (didn't like the neckline) and dress 2 (again, didn't like the neckline, made me look like a chunk!).
Came home with one more dress to think about. I like this one as much as I like dress 3, although I do think I look less slim in this new dress than in dress 3, possibly because if the white band around the middle?
Anyway, here's dress 4! See what you think...bow in various positions, and dress without the bow! And Kat, I tried to smile but I do hate getting party clothes (stressful!), I'd much rather stick with my jeans!
I'm torn between dress 4 with no bow at all, and dress 3. Hub likes both too. Not sure about the shoes now! I like them from the back and side view but they look too small on my wide feet when you look at them from in front!
If it's dress 4 I shall have to take back the red necklace too because it doesn't sit well with the halter neck.Me.... picky? You're probably right! My perfectionism doesn't just show up in my assignments! ;o)
Cast you final votes please folks 'cos I shall have to take one of them back this week!
Tomorrow I'm going to list on ebay some past party clothes that now drown me/fall down!
I had forgotten how much I must have lost in inches since last Xmas but pulling out the clothes that I wore the last 2 Xmases has reminded me just how much slimmer I must be! I have a beautiful black silky strapless dress:
it's a size 16, but I couldn't wear it now...I have room for probably 6 pairs of thick socks around the bustline and I can take the dress off by pulling it all the way down without undoing the zip! How immensely satisfying!
And look at this photo I found...it's me fossil hunting on Charmouth beach 3 years ago. Just look at that butt and those thunder thighs!! What a horrendous sight! I must have been about 12 stone 9 then...and to think I went up to 13 stone 9 by last Xmas! I wonder if I'll make it to 10 stone 9 next year? That's the lightest I've been post-babies, back in 1994.
That's enough therapy, both blogging therapy and shopping therapy! I have some Italian course testing to do!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Been shopping
Dress 3. Nice colour underneath but the bow does no favours at the waist from side view!
Dress 2 : so-so, bow does no favours at the waist from side view!
Dress 3. Sparkly bits on the top half.
Dress 2 : so-so, bow does no favours at the waist from side view!
Dress 3. Sparkly bits on the top half.
New shoes, only mine are black as in the photos:
All sans-make-up and on a very bad hair day!
Which is most flattering? Cost doesn't come into it as they all cost about the same!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Eventful day.
Been busy today.
Did a bit of lesson planning, started reading the Open University course Beginners Italian, L195. I'm a course tester for this course. First impressions are that it will be a good course for complete beginners. Today I've looked at the alphabet, numbers and a conversation about ordering drinks in a bar (very important that!). Next week we have a go at using Lyceum (had no luck with getting that up and running yet). We even get to do a bit of Blogging and use a forum on VLE (I think it stands for Virtual Learning Experience? Or maybe Environment?!), but it's not much like Blogger. I prefer Blogger. Lots to learn about VLE, I'm sure I'll soon get used to it.
Managed to hold an MSN Live webcam conversation with my mum who is over in Venezuela (hi mum!). The sound was terrible (we likened it to a busy pinball machine) but it was great to see each other and be able to type as we watched each other. Sam and Katie were so excited to be able to see their nan that they couldn't take turns in the hotseat and ended up arguing and pushing and shoving in the background! Sorry mum! Don't forget you can keep up to date with us on Flckr too (see link on left).
Have just downloaded Skype and we will give that a try tomorrow.
Did a bit of lesson planning, started reading the Open University course Beginners Italian, L195. I'm a course tester for this course. First impressions are that it will be a good course for complete beginners. Today I've looked at the alphabet, numbers and a conversation about ordering drinks in a bar (very important that!). Next week we have a go at using Lyceum (had no luck with getting that up and running yet). We even get to do a bit of Blogging and use a forum on VLE (I think it stands for Virtual Learning Experience? Or maybe Environment?!), but it's not much like Blogger. I prefer Blogger. Lots to learn about VLE, I'm sure I'll soon get used to it.
Managed to hold an MSN Live webcam conversation with my mum who is over in Venezuela (hi mum!). The sound was terrible (we likened it to a busy pinball machine) but it was great to see each other and be able to type as we watched each other. Sam and Katie were so excited to be able to see their nan that they couldn't take turns in the hotseat and ended up arguing and pushing and shoving in the background! Sorry mum! Don't forget you can keep up to date with us on Flckr too (see link on left).
Have just downloaded Skype and we will give that a try tomorrow.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
New courses!
http://ousavped.blogspot.com/2006/10/science-faculty-committee.html
Volcanoes etc, and Archaeology for me!
Volcanoes etc, and Archaeology for me!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
Exams are over. Onto new things.
Well, exams are finally over, I think I did enough to pass both and will hopefully have my BSc by Xmas after 6 years of studying.
I am currently enjoying the freedom to follow whatever path I fancy. That has been a trip down the A229 to Springfield library for a pile of new books. I've got some on geological hazards, background reading for SXG390 which I am thinking of taking next year. I've also got some glossy book on the U.S.
Now that the bulk of my studies are over I am going to start planning my dream holiday - touring the U.S. most likely in a hired RV (that's motorhome to us Brits) possibly as soon as 2008. There's alot I want to see, probably alot the kids and hub will want to see, I wanna make sure I make the most of any time we spend there I am going to be doing alot of note taking on wanna-see places, handy websites and books, distances etc. All this to be done on a new website or blog, starting this half term holiday. Can't wait! Watch this space for more details.
I am currently enjoying the freedom to follow whatever path I fancy. That has been a trip down the A229 to Springfield library for a pile of new books. I've got some on geological hazards, background reading for SXG390 which I am thinking of taking next year. I've also got some glossy book on the U.S.
Now that the bulk of my studies are over I am going to start planning my dream holiday - touring the U.S. most likely in a hired RV (that's motorhome to us Brits) possibly as soon as 2008. There's alot I want to see, probably alot the kids and hub will want to see, I wanna make sure I make the most of any time we spend there I am going to be doing alot of note taking on wanna-see places, handy websites and books, distances etc. All this to be done on a new website or blog, starting this half term holiday. Can't wait! Watch this space for more details.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Yikes!!
I've covered all the learning outcomes from all the S320 books but one. Haven't memorised them of course, but all that remains is the recapping of index cards and past exam paper practice.
Still have the horrible vision block of SD329 to cover and alot of rereading of the other blocks, but that will have to be crammed after the S320 exam. At least there'll be a weekend to do that in because the SD329 exam is on the 16th.
Onward......
Sunday, October 01, 2006
We went to a party last night and for the 4th time this week I have had comments on my weight loss. Two comments at work, one from my mum and one from a friend last night who said he could see it in my face and bum!
It's spurred me on to lose a bit more. I only want to lose another 10 pounds or so, that'd get me to 11 stone, pretty good for my height (5ft 7) I think. I can vaguely remember being 10 and a half stone when Sam was one years old, but I was only 24 then. At 37 I don't think I can expect to be that weight again!
But first I have to get these exams out of the way. I need to eat when I revise for hours! It's my fuel!
S320 revision is ticking along nicely, I just have 2 more books to look at, then I can recap all my index cards. SD329 is going nowhere, 3 blocks out of 7 done and I'm struggling to remember just these three. I might call it quits and just hope for a bare pass. Thanks to those who voted as to what I should do. You voted that I stick it out and I shall.
Hub is taking the kids out for an hour so I must revise.....but I have the beginnings of a cold and my head feels like a ball of fuzz and my eyes are burning. But I'll try.
Good luck with revision to all my OU buddies. It'll soon be over. Keep at it!
It's spurred me on to lose a bit more. I only want to lose another 10 pounds or so, that'd get me to 11 stone, pretty good for my height (5ft 7) I think. I can vaguely remember being 10 and a half stone when Sam was one years old, but I was only 24 then. At 37 I don't think I can expect to be that weight again!
But first I have to get these exams out of the way. I need to eat when I revise for hours! It's my fuel!
S320 revision is ticking along nicely, I just have 2 more books to look at, then I can recap all my index cards. SD329 is going nowhere, 3 blocks out of 7 done and I'm struggling to remember just these three. I might call it quits and just hope for a bare pass. Thanks to those who voted as to what I should do. You voted that I stick it out and I shall.
Hub is taking the kids out for an hour so I must revise.....but I have the beginnings of a cold and my head feels like a ball of fuzz and my eyes are burning. But I'll try.
Good luck with revision to all my OU buddies. It'll soon be over. Keep at it!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Chuffed. Horrified.
Yes, it is possible to be both at the same time.
Chuffed because two people at work have commented today on my weight loss (my size 14 trousers are getting a bit loose now, hurrah!). One noticed it in my face which is nice because my face shape has changed for the worse since I was in my early twenties. Those chipmunk cheeks and the double chin are shrinking!
Horrifed because S320 exam day is two weeks tomorrow! SD329 exam day was 2 weeks yesterday. My potential revision days are being gobbled up by unexpected arrangements like trip to paediatrics for son, shopping trip for special night out this weekend, and my mum's birthday. Not that I resent any of these, I just wish the world could stop for the next two weeks so that I can revise in peace!
I've just spent almost 2 hours revising the HIV virus and feel quite happy that I've mastered the most important bits like the immune response, how HIV replicates and evades control by the immune system. This course is so interesting that I am toying with the idea of SXN390 so that I can go off and research more stuff to do with infectious diseases (also has the benefit of no exam).
On the other hand yesterday I attempted to revise vision and perception and feel like I know nothing.
I can feel my stomach getting in knots. I am really tired, go to bed really late thinking I will fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, but can't sleep soundly, I'm eating and eating and eating (and forgetting to drink my water) and it's affecting my work. I'm not on the ball when approaching exams are in my mind and I don't give my best. I'm teaching tomorrow morning and have to be on the ball.
The sensible thing to do would be to toddle off to bed right now, perhaps with a Baileys as a night-cap? I'll try it. It might just work. G'night all.
Chuffed because two people at work have commented today on my weight loss (my size 14 trousers are getting a bit loose now, hurrah!). One noticed it in my face which is nice because my face shape has changed for the worse since I was in my early twenties. Those chipmunk cheeks and the double chin are shrinking!
Horrifed because S320 exam day is two weeks tomorrow! SD329 exam day was 2 weeks yesterday. My potential revision days are being gobbled up by unexpected arrangements like trip to paediatrics for son, shopping trip for special night out this weekend, and my mum's birthday. Not that I resent any of these, I just wish the world could stop for the next two weeks so that I can revise in peace!
I've just spent almost 2 hours revising the HIV virus and feel quite happy that I've mastered the most important bits like the immune response, how HIV replicates and evades control by the immune system. This course is so interesting that I am toying with the idea of SXN390 so that I can go off and research more stuff to do with infectious diseases (also has the benefit of no exam).
On the other hand yesterday I attempted to revise vision and perception and feel like I know nothing.
I can feel my stomach getting in knots. I am really tired, go to bed really late thinking I will fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, but can't sleep soundly, I'm eating and eating and eating (and forgetting to drink my water) and it's affecting my work. I'm not on the ball when approaching exams are in my mind and I don't give my best. I'm teaching tomorrow morning and have to be on the ball.
The sensible thing to do would be to toddle off to bed right now, perhaps with a Baileys as a night-cap? I'll try it. It might just work. G'night all.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Not a nice feeling
Have you ever been 99% sure that you'll fail an exam? Not a nice feeling. I have been looking at some past exam papers and would be lucky to get 30%. With just 8 revision days (if I'm lucky) and 9 blocks to revise before the 11th I am starting to get slightly stressed. It's not that I am revising everything and making it hard work, I am only revising according to the learning objectives, but still SD329 continues to baffle me.
The more I struggle with it the more I hate it. The more I worry about it the more grumpy I am with my kids, and that's not fair. This isn't meant to impact their lives! They are very tolerant but they shouldn't have to be. I'm their mum first and foremost.
For the first time ever I am seriously considering not turning up at that exam (so the OU loses funding and I waste a couple of hundred quid, but I retain my sanity if I decide to do this sooner rather than later). Means I don't get my BSc by Xmas, but I don't need it now that I've decided I don't want to become a 'real' teacher. It was just something I wanted to prove that I could do. Because I should have done it when I was 18, when I had no real commitments.
If I do take the exam and fail I won't resit it, so is it worth trying?
Cast your votes (and reasons!) now please? I'll go with the majority 'cos I don't seem able to make the decision myself, quitting goes against my nature, but it is getting very tempting.
The more I struggle with it the more I hate it. The more I worry about it the more grumpy I am with my kids, and that's not fair. This isn't meant to impact their lives! They are very tolerant but they shouldn't have to be. I'm their mum first and foremost.
For the first time ever I am seriously considering not turning up at that exam (so the OU loses funding and I waste a couple of hundred quid, but I retain my sanity if I decide to do this sooner rather than later). Means I don't get my BSc by Xmas, but I don't need it now that I've decided I don't want to become a 'real' teacher. It was just something I wanted to prove that I could do. Because I should have done it when I was 18, when I had no real commitments.
If I do take the exam and fail I won't resit it, so is it worth trying?
Cast your votes (and reasons!) now please? I'll go with the majority 'cos I don't seem able to make the decision myself, quitting goes against my nature, but it is getting very tempting.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Next best thing to fossil hunting is...
...retail therapy, and I got me some today :o)
It was only good ol' Primark but they do some decent trousers for work (black, wide pin stripes) and loads of trendy gear for Katie (9 going on 14). Sam wouldn't dream of wearing anything from there! Managed to get him red, green and royal blue T shirts with the Nike logo on the front, he liked them.
That was my reward for, let's see, 18 hours revision in 10 days. Doesn't sound alot but when I think most of it is squeezed into 3 days in the week that's some revising!
Today it was cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immune responses, pathogen adaptations, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, cytokines and immunosuppression for S320.
Plus a quick recap of the structure of the ear on the school run for SD329. Tonight is more on the ear, all the in-depth tricky stuff. In fact it's a bloomin' amazing body part!
Having eaten three-quarters of a Morrison's tub of flapjacks since yesterday morning I really ought to dust off the treadmill and give it a pounding for 20 minutes. Two pounds on since I came back from holidays, that's what revision does for you (I thought it was what holidays were supposed to do to you too!)
Time to clear away dinner and wake hub up for another night of shift work.
If you know anyone who's thinking of shift working, don't let them do it! It really isn't good for them, mind, body or soul. Lee's put up with it for 19 years and it gets harder for him by the year. He has just 4 hours sleep (want more, but can't seem to sleep longer) and feels like a zombie for the other 20 hours in a day.
It was only good ol' Primark but they do some decent trousers for work (black, wide pin stripes) and loads of trendy gear for Katie (9 going on 14). Sam wouldn't dream of wearing anything from there! Managed to get him red, green and royal blue T shirts with the Nike logo on the front, he liked them.
That was my reward for, let's see, 18 hours revision in 10 days. Doesn't sound alot but when I think most of it is squeezed into 3 days in the week that's some revising!
Today it was cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immune responses, pathogen adaptations, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, cytokines and immunosuppression for S320.
Plus a quick recap of the structure of the ear on the school run for SD329. Tonight is more on the ear, all the in-depth tricky stuff. In fact it's a bloomin' amazing body part!
Having eaten three-quarters of a Morrison's tub of flapjacks since yesterday morning I really ought to dust off the treadmill and give it a pounding for 20 minutes. Two pounds on since I came back from holidays, that's what revision does for you (I thought it was what holidays were supposed to do to you too!)
Time to clear away dinner and wake hub up for another night of shift work.
If you know anyone who's thinking of shift working, don't let them do it! It really isn't good for them, mind, body or soul. Lee's put up with it for 19 years and it gets harder for him by the year. He has just 4 hours sleep (want more, but can't seem to sleep longer) and feels like a zombie for the other 20 hours in a day.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Fossil hunting.
We used to go to Charmouth in our campervan during October half term, so I could blow away the cobwebs on the beach and do a spot of fossil hunting, which I find incredibly relaxing and good for the soul.
Not possessing a campervan anymore, and it being too cold for a tent I decided to look online for a cottage or static caravan. Not only were they rather expensive (compared to where we stay in Spain) but hub reminded me that he has no holiday left and that his long weekend between shifts won't coincide with the kids and me being off school. Rats. Time to look closer to home. Haven't had any luck finding anything much at Folkestone, not a sausage at Herne Bay nor St Margarets Bay. I do recall someone saying that there were fossils to be had on the Isle of Sheppey. Definitely need a good reason to go there, perhaps this is it!
Not possessing a campervan anymore, and it being too cold for a tent I decided to look online for a cottage or static caravan. Not only were they rather expensive (compared to where we stay in Spain) but hub reminded me that he has no holiday left and that his long weekend between shifts won't coincide with the kids and me being off school. Rats. Time to look closer to home. Haven't had any luck finding anything much at Folkestone, not a sausage at Herne Bay nor St Margarets Bay. I do recall someone saying that there were fossils to be had on the Isle of Sheppey. Definitely need a good reason to go there, perhaps this is it!
What I've been doing this week.
(in no particular order)
Work. Laying down class rules, reinforcing them, reinforcing them, reinforcing them! No rule-following, no treats! Patience, patience, patience!!
Ate...far too much junk, Put on 2 pounds since I started revising.
Revised, loads. Exhausted. Ready to sleep at 8pm last night, to hub's disgust.
Wondered repeatedly whether I can face/hub can tolerate another year of study to hopefully turn a BSc into a BScHons that I don't actually need.
Planted grass seed in the garden. Woo, exciting!
Talked to hub about my dream of touring the US in an RV and actually got as far as pricing a trip. Yikes, $6000 for 3 weeks hire of an RV, then there's the flights and spending money!
Nagged offspring to keep on top of their homework.
Wished I hadn't made my hair appointment for the end of the month. Why does it grow so fast in the summer? Why do grey hairs seem more noticeable when it's ages til your next colour?!
Bought 3 flash memory pens.
Backed up all important stuff from PC and lappie. Deleted a load of 'stuff', defragged both, but cross to find both are still being tempremental (sp?)
Ebayed more 'stuff'.
Wished I was in Spain.
Wished the nights wouldn't draw in so quickly.
Work. Laying down class rules, reinforcing them, reinforcing them, reinforcing them! No rule-following, no treats! Patience, patience, patience!!
Ate...far too much junk, Put on 2 pounds since I started revising.
Revised, loads. Exhausted. Ready to sleep at 8pm last night, to hub's disgust.
Wondered repeatedly whether I can face/hub can tolerate another year of study to hopefully turn a BSc into a BScHons that I don't actually need.
Planted grass seed in the garden. Woo, exciting!
Talked to hub about my dream of touring the US in an RV and actually got as far as pricing a trip. Yikes, $6000 for 3 weeks hire of an RV, then there's the flights and spending money!
Nagged offspring to keep on top of their homework.
Wished I hadn't made my hair appointment for the end of the month. Why does it grow so fast in the summer? Why do grey hairs seem more noticeable when it's ages til your next colour?!
Bought 3 flash memory pens.
Backed up all important stuff from PC and lappie. Deleted a load of 'stuff', defragged both, but cross to find both are still being tempremental (sp?)
Ebayed more 'stuff'.
Wished I was in Spain.
Wished the nights wouldn't draw in so quickly.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Well earned break!
After 4 hours of revision I think I deserve a little blogging time :o) Hope my fave bloggers have all updated theirs as I'm off to do a bit of blog reading as well as posting on my own!
Just sent a few holiday photos to hub at work so he can print them. I do like my digital camera, but I miss having an album-full of photos (my printer is rubbish so I don't tend to print any off).
Here's a selection of my faves:
Ojen viewpoint.
Happy times :o)
Just sent a few holiday photos to hub at work so he can print them. I do like my digital camera, but I miss having an album-full of photos (my printer is rubbish so I don't tend to print any off).
Here's a selection of my faves:
Ojen viewpoint.
Happy times :o)
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Holiday 2007
Not being able to afford where I really want to travel to, I have just booked a villa in Alhaurin el Grande (Andalucia, Spain). We're sharing this with my in-laws for 10 days in April because the kids enjoyed having their nan and grandad on holiday with them for 4 days this year.
Take a look at what it's got...
lounge
Studio
for the in-laws
sun room
bedroom 1
bedroom 2
kitchen
outside space
Should be very nice, and only a short walk from the restaurants, shops and our friends. Not to mention the perfect place to practice my Spanish for LXZ194!
Take a look at what it's got...
lounge
Studio
for the in-laws
sun room
bedroom 1
bedroom 2
kitchen
outside space
Should be very nice, and only a short walk from the restaurants, shops and our friends. Not to mention the perfect place to practice my Spanish for LXZ194!
Talking of food..
It was our 14th wedding anniversary yesterday and last Saturday hub announced that he'd booked the two of us into a hotel for one night. We stayed here.
It was very nice (the photos of the room in the above link must have been executive rooms 'cos ours, although nice enough, wasn't that posh!
The best bit was the food. For our evening meal we could choose from fish, prawns, fruit, salad for starter, lasagne, chicken in a white sauce with green peppers, roast turkey, roast potatoes, potato wedges, and mixed veg for the main course, and the most deeelicious desserts (cheesecakes, gateaux, fresh fruits, would have been Profiteroles only someone had beaten us to it!). Breakfast was enoormous! There was (sorry, am I making your mouth water?!) fresh fruits, toasts, uncut granary bread, malt loaf, pastries, cereals, hash browns, mushrooms, bacon, fried and scrambled egg, and baked beans, with hot drinks or a variety of juices.
Of course, if you make a complete hog of yourself you could always take a leaf out of hub's romantic book and bring along a box of choccies, miniature bottles of wine and Baileys to enjoy late into the evening 'cos the rooms have a little fridge.
I can highly recommend the hotel/the surprise booking for you and your partner if you are ever in the Rochester/Chatham area.
It was very nice (the photos of the room in the above link must have been executive rooms 'cos ours, although nice enough, wasn't that posh!
The best bit was the food. For our evening meal we could choose from fish, prawns, fruit, salad for starter, lasagne, chicken in a white sauce with green peppers, roast turkey, roast potatoes, potato wedges, and mixed veg for the main course, and the most deeelicious desserts (cheesecakes, gateaux, fresh fruits, would have been Profiteroles only someone had beaten us to it!). Breakfast was enoormous! There was (sorry, am I making your mouth water?!) fresh fruits, toasts, uncut granary bread, malt loaf, pastries, cereals, hash browns, mushrooms, bacon, fried and scrambled egg, and baked beans, with hot drinks or a variety of juices.
Of course, if you make a complete hog of yourself you could always take a leaf out of hub's romantic book and bring along a box of choccies, miniature bottles of wine and Baileys to enjoy late into the evening 'cos the rooms have a little fridge.
I can highly recommend the hotel/the surprise booking for you and your partner if you are ever in the Rochester/Chatham area.
Revision, am I ready?
Someone, somewhere out there posted a link to this site.
This is what it recommends for revision:
Revision and Lifestyle...
Use student/athlete analogy: aim to peak at the right time and train properly: ok, I can do this...
Get into revision routine, work in short manageable bursts. nothing other than extremely short looks likely until the weekend!
Avoid getting over-tired. when do I ever feel under-tired?!
Avoid working very early in the morning (leads to anxiety oh dear, somethingelse to worry about..) or late in the evenings (leads to over-tiredness, insomnia and clogged memory. I can relate to that..... Only trouble is, late evenings and early mornings are usually my only 'me'/study time lately. I don't think I told you about my 3000 word research assignment finally got finished after a 2pm-3.30am marathon assignment-typing session last week. Only 2 nights ago I got back out of bed at 11.30pm and worked on another assignment until 1.30am...insomnia you see, knew there was work to be done and couldn't switch off.
Turn off frequently I honestly hadn' written my last comment before I read this!, do something quite different. what a perfect excuse to keep on bloggin' this month!
Key Areas:
Exercise ah well, I was going to go jogging in the evenings with hub, only he's back on night shifts again. Ho hum.
Aim for minimum 20 mins aerobic-type exercise (i.e. anything which makes your heart beat faster and your breathing rate increase) 3 times a week. Brief exercise (preferably outdoors) before revision periods and exams, improves concentration and intellectual performance. Ah, ok, so instead of waking up at 5.30am to revise I could wake up at 5am for a swift jog round the block....yeah right!!
Sleep
Regular periods of sleep at regular times.sigh This helps your body clock to function well. Get lots of daylight.
Study
Study in a well-lit room, or near a window. Get outdoors often. Best times: between approx. 9.00 and 12.00 amno good, am surrounded by 26 little learners at this time of the day, and they've got alot more to learn than me :O), and 4.00 & 6.00 pmah well, that's tea time and my kiddie time. Worst times: after lunch (1.00 to 3.00 pm - body clock set for sluggish not an option, more little learners left, right and centre.) and at night (body clock set for sleep!if I'm lucky!) Best to have a short nap after lunch. Don't think this'd go down to well in the staffroom.
Diet
Keep intake of sugar down - too much sugar lowers your blood sugar level, makes you sleepy, and makes you need more! 'Energy' sweets are especially bad for this. Cut down on caffeine - in short term caffeine makes you feel more alert, but large doses lead to insomnia and increased tension/anxiety. But don't give up caffeine right now - withdrawal symptoms (headaches, etc.) can be severe. Sources of caffeine: coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate. Know all this, but those cravings are mighty powerful!
Avoid too many carbohydrates (from potatoes, pasta, rice, bread) just before busy revision spell or exams, as these food make you sleepy. not a problem, can resist these.
Note: Starving yourself does not enhance intellectual performance. definitely not a problem, I like to eat :o)
There's a number of other useful links, but that'd be procrastinating. I just need to get on with it!
If you're looking for a good book, check this out. I bought it a few years ago and it was worth every penny.
This is what it recommends for revision:
Revision and Lifestyle...
Use student/athlete analogy: aim to peak at the right time and train properly: ok, I can do this...
Get into revision routine, work in short manageable bursts. nothing other than extremely short looks likely until the weekend!
Avoid getting over-tired. when do I ever feel under-tired?!
Avoid working very early in the morning (leads to anxiety oh dear, somethingelse to worry about..) or late in the evenings (leads to over-tiredness, insomnia and clogged memory. I can relate to that..... Only trouble is, late evenings and early mornings are usually my only 'me'/study time lately. I don't think I told you about my 3000 word research assignment finally got finished after a 2pm-3.30am marathon assignment-typing session last week. Only 2 nights ago I got back out of bed at 11.30pm and worked on another assignment until 1.30am...insomnia you see, knew there was work to be done and couldn't switch off.
Turn off frequently I honestly hadn' written my last comment before I read this!, do something quite different. what a perfect excuse to keep on bloggin' this month!
Key Areas:
Exercise ah well, I was going to go jogging in the evenings with hub, only he's back on night shifts again. Ho hum.
Aim for minimum 20 mins aerobic-type exercise (i.e. anything which makes your heart beat faster and your breathing rate increase) 3 times a week. Brief exercise (preferably outdoors) before revision periods and exams, improves concentration and intellectual performance. Ah, ok, so instead of waking up at 5.30am to revise I could wake up at 5am for a swift jog round the block....yeah right!!
Sleep
Regular periods of sleep at regular times.sigh This helps your body clock to function well. Get lots of daylight.
Study
Study in a well-lit room, or near a window. Get outdoors often. Best times: between approx. 9.00 and 12.00 amno good, am surrounded by 26 little learners at this time of the day, and they've got alot more to learn than me :O), and 4.00 & 6.00 pmah well, that's tea time and my kiddie time. Worst times: after lunch (1.00 to 3.00 pm - body clock set for sluggish not an option, more little learners left, right and centre.) and at night (body clock set for sleep!if I'm lucky!) Best to have a short nap after lunch. Don't think this'd go down to well in the staffroom.
Diet
Keep intake of sugar down - too much sugar lowers your blood sugar level, makes you sleepy, and makes you need more! 'Energy' sweets are especially bad for this. Cut down on caffeine - in short term caffeine makes you feel more alert, but large doses lead to insomnia and increased tension/anxiety. But don't give up caffeine right now - withdrawal symptoms (headaches, etc.) can be severe. Sources of caffeine: coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate. Know all this, but those cravings are mighty powerful!
Avoid too many carbohydrates (from potatoes, pasta, rice, bread) just before busy revision spell or exams, as these food make you sleepy. not a problem, can resist these.
Note: Starving yourself does not enhance intellectual performance. definitely not a problem, I like to eat :o)
There's a number of other useful links, but that'd be procrastinating. I just need to get on with it!
If you're looking for a good book, check this out. I bought it a few years ago and it was worth every penny.
Revision time
Time for one of those time tracker thingies I think, to spur me into some revision for my 2 exams.
So far I've avoided reading the last 2 books of each course (having got bogged down in a 3000 word research TMA... and skipping off to Spain for a long break of course!) and avoided thinking about just how I am going to remember everything to get me a couple of good passes. Things aren't looking good for SD329 (The Senses). Not only have I not really grasped alot of it (chemistry and physics) but I'm rather behind, with half of one TMA still to either complete, or send off partially done.
Plan 1 I concentrate most of my effort on S320 (infectious Diseases), a whopper of a course but alot more interesting and somewhat easier than SD329.
Plan 2 (for 2007) if I fail SD329 (and thus not get my BSC at the end of the year) I am going to take U316 (Environmental Web) next year. Alot of it is done online (TMAs, group discussions, ECA report) and I don't mind that one bit now that I've got my lappie set up to work wirelessly.
I still need another 30 points at level 3 to make it a BSc Hons, so I'm going to do SXG390 (Geohazards project) in 2007 too. Ok, so that's alot of work, but in two very interesting areas. Researching a volcano won't seem like study, it'll just be an extension of one of my interests.
Now, I know I said I'd be posting my holiday photos, but I think that may have to wait.
BTW I only gained one pound on holiday. All that swimming must've helped burn off the icecreams and crisps! Have a sneaky feeling that I may have gained more since I've been home. I reverting to bad habits of snacking on whatever I fancy whenever I fancied it. But I'm back at work now and that means no snacking, and a healthy packed lunch. All I need to do now is overcome the craving for biscuits and coffee when I revise!
So far I've avoided reading the last 2 books of each course (having got bogged down in a 3000 word research TMA... and skipping off to Spain for a long break of course!) and avoided thinking about just how I am going to remember everything to get me a couple of good passes. Things aren't looking good for SD329 (The Senses). Not only have I not really grasped alot of it (chemistry and physics) but I'm rather behind, with half of one TMA still to either complete, or send off partially done.
Plan 1 I concentrate most of my effort on S320 (infectious Diseases), a whopper of a course but alot more interesting and somewhat easier than SD329.
Plan 2 (for 2007) if I fail SD329 (and thus not get my BSC at the end of the year) I am going to take U316 (Environmental Web) next year. Alot of it is done online (TMAs, group discussions, ECA report) and I don't mind that one bit now that I've got my lappie set up to work wirelessly.
I still need another 30 points at level 3 to make it a BSc Hons, so I'm going to do SXG390 (Geohazards project) in 2007 too. Ok, so that's alot of work, but in two very interesting areas. Researching a volcano won't seem like study, it'll just be an extension of one of my interests.
Now, I know I said I'd be posting my holiday photos, but I think that may have to wait.
BTW I only gained one pound on holiday. All that swimming must've helped burn off the icecreams and crisps! Have a sneaky feeling that I may have gained more since I've been home. I reverting to bad habits of snacking on whatever I fancy whenever I fancied it. But I'm back at work now and that means no snacking, and a healthy packed lunch. All I need to do now is overcome the craving for biscuits and coffee when I revise!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Home sweet home
I'm home.
It's raining. I've a ton of studying to do.
So am I pleased to be back? Sort of....I missed my internet access! I missed my own bed. And I missed Cadbury's chocolate! LOL!
I'll tell you all about our stay in Spain soon.
Over the coming weeks I'm planning to store all my photos of our trip to Spain (and older piccies) on a new blog. I'll probably still post the odd one or two here, but pop over to my Profile and have a look at Our photos.
It's raining. I've a ton of studying to do.
So am I pleased to be back? Sort of....I missed my internet access! I missed my own bed. And I missed Cadbury's chocolate! LOL!
I'll tell you all about our stay in Spain soon.
Over the coming weeks I'm planning to store all my photos of our trip to Spain (and older piccies) on a new blog. I'll probably still post the odd one or two here, but pop over to my Profile and have a look at Our photos.
Home sweet home
I'm home.
It's raining. I've a ton of studying to do.
So am I pleased to be back? Sort of....I missed my internet access! I missed my own bed. And I missed Cadbury's chocolate! LOL!
I'll tell you all about our stay in Spain soon.
Over the coming weeks I'm planning to store all my photos of our trip to Spain (and older piccies) on a new blog. I'll probably still post the odd one or two here, but the majority should all be making an appearance on www.tinas-photos.blogspot.com
It's raining. I've a ton of studying to do.
So am I pleased to be back? Sort of....I missed my internet access! I missed my own bed. And I missed Cadbury's chocolate! LOL!
I'll tell you all about our stay in Spain soon.
Over the coming weeks I'm planning to store all my photos of our trip to Spain (and older piccies) on a new blog. I'll probably still post the odd one or two here, but the majority should all be making an appearance on www.tinas-photos.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 30, 2006
I did it, I did it!
I lost those 2 pounds and am a whole 2 stone lighter than I was at the beginning of the year! I also got out the tape measure.....20 inches gone in total from bust, waist, tum, hips and thighs!! Well chuffed with myself today! :o)
Friday, July 28, 2006
3 days and counting!
Not long now til we fly out to Spain and I am getting excited, can't sleep (what a big kid I am!)
Still tons to do though:
3000 word double weighted assignment
bedroom carpet to be fitted tomorrow
packing....almost done!
ebay selling to wrap up
washing bins to empty (and all that mundane stuff)
Can't complain about the weather here lately.... but it will be good to be somewhere hot that has somewhere to actually cool down (the pool). Doesn't matter what the British weather is like, we always find something to complain about don't we!
Weight loss.....I am now 2 pounds off of losing a total of 2 stone since January. Very chuffed and finally feeling a bit more confident about wearing shorts in public, something I have never done in the past 2 years (still self-conscious in a bikini, but better than I was).
Open University.....I decided to see SD329 (Signals and Perceptions) through to the bitter end! I hate it and have to force myself to open the books. On the other hand S320 (Infectious Disease) is a wonderful (if somewhat huge) course and I am actually enjoying writing my 3000 word assignment!
Did I mention I have signed up for Beginners Spanish for November? I just haven't had time to go it alone, so I am doing it properly with the O.U. and looking forward to it.
Having trouble choosing my final 60 points for my BSC Hons though. Went off the idea of AT308 after failing to be enthused by its shorter version AT272.So that leaves me to consider SXG390 Geohazards project, S369 Sedimentary Stuff, S377 (molecular and cell biology), DD304 (Cities) or EK310 (research into children and young people).
Better get back to that assignment!
Still tons to do though:
3000 word double weighted assignment
bedroom carpet to be fitted tomorrow
packing....almost done!
ebay selling to wrap up
washing bins to empty (and all that mundane stuff)
Can't complain about the weather here lately.... but it will be good to be somewhere hot that has somewhere to actually cool down (the pool). Doesn't matter what the British weather is like, we always find something to complain about don't we!
Weight loss.....I am now 2 pounds off of losing a total of 2 stone since January. Very chuffed and finally feeling a bit more confident about wearing shorts in public, something I have never done in the past 2 years (still self-conscious in a bikini, but better than I was).
Open University.....I decided to see SD329 (Signals and Perceptions) through to the bitter end! I hate it and have to force myself to open the books. On the other hand S320 (Infectious Disease) is a wonderful (if somewhat huge) course and I am actually enjoying writing my 3000 word assignment!
Did I mention I have signed up for Beginners Spanish for November? I just haven't had time to go it alone, so I am doing it properly with the O.U. and looking forward to it.
Having trouble choosing my final 60 points for my BSC Hons though. Went off the idea of AT308 after failing to be enthused by its shorter version AT272.So that leaves me to consider SXG390 Geohazards project, S369 Sedimentary Stuff, S377 (molecular and cell biology), DD304 (Cities) or EK310 (research into children and young people).
Better get back to that assignment!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wisdom teeth. Yipes!
Not sure what has kept me so busy that I haven't had time to blog much. July always seems the most hectic month of the year to me. All I know is that I have another 3 days at school and the summer holiday begins! Hurray! It's been way too hot to be in school, the poor kids are miserable, hot and bothered, and the teachers are reaching the bottom of their very deep pots of patience.
I am really, really not looking forward to tomorrow. I have finally managed not to cancel my dental appointment to have one of my top wisdom teeth removed. I have already had two lower wisdom teeth removed, and although one was ok (because I had a general anaesthetic...best sleep I ever had!) the other was a nightmare and came out in lots of small pieces. I dont think it helped that the dentist said "oh dear" a few times, and puffed and panted as he pulled :o(
Anyway, I have a different dentist now, a softly spoken lady, but I still cant help feeling rather panicked. When I last saw her (January, when I initially booked to have it taken out!!) she offered sedation but I was as scared of that as of the extraction so I declined and opted for numbing injections, she also said that it has a large root and to see how we get on with that. Gulp, not what I wanted to hear at all.
Hence still being awake at this hour (I'm normally an early bird after a day at work). The appointment is at 11am tomorrow, how I wish it was at 9.10 so I could drop Katie at school, go straight there and get it over with. And you know what it is like in the waiting room, you seem to wait forever especially with NHS dentists. If they keep me waiting too long I shall start to feel ill. But I will try to think about deep breathing, I will try to be brave, and positive that it will be a piece of cake.....
I am really, really not looking forward to tomorrow. I have finally managed not to cancel my dental appointment to have one of my top wisdom teeth removed. I have already had two lower wisdom teeth removed, and although one was ok (because I had a general anaesthetic...best sleep I ever had!) the other was a nightmare and came out in lots of small pieces. I dont think it helped that the dentist said "oh dear" a few times, and puffed and panted as he pulled :o(
Anyway, I have a different dentist now, a softly spoken lady, but I still cant help feeling rather panicked. When I last saw her (January, when I initially booked to have it taken out!!) she offered sedation but I was as scared of that as of the extraction so I declined and opted for numbing injections, she also said that it has a large root and to see how we get on with that. Gulp, not what I wanted to hear at all.
Hence still being awake at this hour (I'm normally an early bird after a day at work). The appointment is at 11am tomorrow, how I wish it was at 9.10 so I could drop Katie at school, go straight there and get it over with. And you know what it is like in the waiting room, you seem to wait forever especially with NHS dentists. If they keep me waiting too long I shall start to feel ill. But I will try to think about deep breathing, I will try to be brave, and positive that it will be a piece of cake.....
Monday, June 26, 2006
Ascot
Did I say I was going to Ascot? I think I forgot!
Anyway, it was Saturday 2th June, and I was chuffed to be going in a size 14 dress!
No hat, just a cute little flower that cost 50 pence from Claire's Accessories (that kinda made up for the cost of the dress!)
7.30 am, drove to friend's house in Essex, champagne breakfast then into a limo for the journey to Ascot (with more champagne!)
The girls:
Don't know if you can see in the photo of the girls, but I was the only one to wear flat shoes.
But boy was I glad, my feet and legs ached badly by the end of the day!
6 races....one winner! (£13, the final race...just when I thought I'd be going home empty handed!) 'Twas boiling hot (red shoulders and backs!), and spent a fortune on cold drinks, but it was fun!
Waiting for the next race:
When all races were done we stumbled (stoney path or just plain drunk!) back to the limo for a picnic and more drink and a laugh:
And watched the sun go down before heading for home (with more drink, but not for me, I was NOT going to feel ill and ruin the day!)
Recommended for a fun, if somewhat exhausting day out! As a kid I could never understand my nan's boyfirend's fascination with betting and watching the 'gee-gees' on TV, but I think I can now. It's exciting to see if your horse is going to find its way from the back of the pack to win like mine did!
Back to the books now. After more than a week of lost motivation and dithering I have decided I will not give in and will see these level 3 courses through to the end! And if I don't pass I don't care! I'll just go and take a year off from the degree and enjoy Beginner's Spanish and a bit more blogging!
Ah yes, no weight-loss for 6 whole weeks!! Might be time to add some exercise and tone up the wobbly bits for the summer holiday!
Anyway, it was Saturday 2th June, and I was chuffed to be going in a size 14 dress!
No hat, just a cute little flower that cost 50 pence from Claire's Accessories (that kinda made up for the cost of the dress!)
7.30 am, drove to friend's house in Essex, champagne breakfast then into a limo for the journey to Ascot (with more champagne!)
The girls:
Don't know if you can see in the photo of the girls, but I was the only one to wear flat shoes.
But boy was I glad, my feet and legs ached badly by the end of the day!6 races....one winner! (£13, the final race...just when I thought I'd be going home empty handed!) 'Twas boiling hot (red shoulders and backs!), and spent a fortune on cold drinks, but it was fun!
Waiting for the next race:
When all races were done we stumbled (stoney path or just plain drunk!) back to the limo for a picnic and more drink and a laugh:
And watched the sun go down before heading for home (with more drink, but not for me, I was NOT going to feel ill and ruin the day!)
Recommended for a fun, if somewhat exhausting day out! As a kid I could never understand my nan's boyfirend's fascination with betting and watching the 'gee-gees' on TV, but I think I can now. It's exciting to see if your horse is going to find its way from the back of the pack to win like mine did!
Back to the books now. After more than a week of lost motivation and dithering I have decided I will not give in and will see these level 3 courses through to the end! And if I don't pass I don't care! I'll just go and take a year off from the degree and enjoy Beginner's Spanish and a bit more blogging!
Ah yes, no weight-loss for 6 whole weeks!! Might be time to add some exercise and tone up the wobbly bits for the summer holiday!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Quiet
I've been rather quiet because:
1) I have just submitted 2 whopper assingments
2) my laptop needed an XP reinstallation (argh!)
3) I've been backing up files like crazy (we learn by close shaves!)
4) I've been sunbathing instead of sitting here ;o)
5) I've been catching up with weeks worth of study
6) I've been contemplating packing in one of my courses (SD329...no wow factor)
7) I've been choosing next year's courses (more about these when I have got my laptop back to how I like it)
Things that haven't changed since my last post:
My weight (although I am now in selected size 14s!)
Next week's plans:
1) Ascot!! Piccie of dress to follow. No hat yet!
1) I have just submitted 2 whopper assingments
2) my laptop needed an XP reinstallation (argh!)
3) I've been backing up files like crazy (we learn by close shaves!)
4) I've been sunbathing instead of sitting here ;o)
5) I've been catching up with weeks worth of study
6) I've been contemplating packing in one of my courses (SD329...no wow factor)
7) I've been choosing next year's courses (more about these when I have got my laptop back to how I like it)
Things that haven't changed since my last post:
My weight (although I am now in selected size 14s!)
Next week's plans:
1) Ascot!! Piccie of dress to follow. No hat yet!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
4 pounds off
wow, been a real busy bee since my last post! Ofsted gone, 2 boxes of ironing gone, one TMA done, and I'm 4 pounds lighter :o)
We tried out our tent for the first time two weeks ago. It really was alot of fun, and alot warmer than I thought it might be inside it at night. The only problem we had was loading what we needed into the car (Peugeot 206). We have a roof top box (got 2 holdalls of clothes and 2 sleeping bags in that), and the boot was full to the roof with porta-loo (an essential!!), 2 more sleeping bags, BBQ, fold away chairs, tent (huuuuge heavy bag!) and 2 cool boxes! Needless to say we've been looking at getting a car with a bigger boot, and we pick it up tomorrow! It's a Fiat Doblo, a handy seven seater, with the option to take out the back 3 seats to make a big boot! I have absolutely no plans to expand the family to suit the number of seats in the car in case you are wondering :o)
This weekend we are off to Whitstable to try to put up the tent faster than our first attempt! I'll let you know whether we get rained on! ;o)
We tried out our tent for the first time two weeks ago. It really was alot of fun, and alot warmer than I thought it might be inside it at night. The only problem we had was loading what we needed into the car (Peugeot 206). We have a roof top box (got 2 holdalls of clothes and 2 sleeping bags in that), and the boot was full to the roof with porta-loo (an essential!!), 2 more sleeping bags, BBQ, fold away chairs, tent (huuuuge heavy bag!) and 2 cool boxes! Needless to say we've been looking at getting a car with a bigger boot, and we pick it up tomorrow! It's a Fiat Doblo, a handy seven seater, with the option to take out the back 3 seats to make a big boot! I have absolutely no plans to expand the family to suit the number of seats in the car in case you are wondering :o)
This weekend we are off to Whitstable to try to put up the tent faster than our first attempt! I'll let you know whether we get rained on! ;o)
Thursday, May 18, 2006
OFSTED
We had the company of OFSTED yesterday and Tuesday, I was lucky enough not to be observed (I say lucky not because my planning and lesson were rubbish but because I hate being observed! In fact it was probably one of my best lessons ever).
3.30pm yesterday, all staff sat nervously awaiting news in the staff room....in came the Head with the news....one category...good.....all the rest....OUTSTANDING! How good is that?! Needless to say a few bottles were opened, and there were a few wet eyes. So if anyone wants a darned good primary school to visit, here is one you want to look at (the website's not wonderful, but the school and staff jolly well are!)
3.30pm yesterday, all staff sat nervously awaiting news in the staff room....in came the Head with the news....one category...good.....all the rest....OUTSTANDING! How good is that?! Needless to say a few bottles were opened, and there were a few wet eyes. So if anyone wants a darned good primary school to visit, here is one you want to look at (the website's not wonderful, but the school and staff jolly well are!)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Holiday snaps
As promised, photos from our stay in Coin in April. First, the views....beautiful and green...
Here's what we got up to...
swam (and shivered!)
sought adventure!
made stuff with Tesco's playdough (hours of entertainment for £2.99!)
With temperatures in the 80s and 90s we did alot of lying around. And anyone who knows my hub and son will be astounded to see that they read books.....but look what reading did to hub....he enjoyed it so much he fell asleep!
I wasn't going to put this one on my blog, but what the h*ll, I look a darn sight better than I did last year in a bikini and ought to be proud of the 22 pounds I lost I suppose. This is the bikini that I bought from LaRedoute, only I've tucked the straps away for maximum tanning! That MP3 player was worth every penny too for the ultimate chill factor, and it only cost hub a tenner from Tescos (again!) at Christmas!
We did a bit of socialising with our friends...
and did silly things with bits of tissue....this is Sam, with Jesus, a friend of our English friends. There was a definite language barrier, he's picked up some English and we speak hardly any Spanish, but he was great with our kids and the language barrier didn't stop them from having alot of fun.
Katie discovered that ice cream looks rather attractive on her nose...
Forgot to put these the right way up but you'll manage ;o)
There are more, but I have 2 assignments and half a ton of reading to do before half term!
Here's what we got up to...
swam (and shivered!)
sought adventure!
made stuff with Tesco's playdough (hours of entertainment for £2.99!)
With temperatures in the 80s and 90s we did alot of lying around. And anyone who knows my hub and son will be astounded to see that they read books.....but look what reading did to hub....he enjoyed it so much he fell asleep!
I wasn't going to put this one on my blog, but what the h*ll, I look a darn sight better than I did last year in a bikini and ought to be proud of the 22 pounds I lost I suppose. This is the bikini that I bought from LaRedoute, only I've tucked the straps away for maximum tanning! That MP3 player was worth every penny too for the ultimate chill factor, and it only cost hub a tenner from Tescos (again!) at Christmas!
We did a bit of socialising with our friends...
and did silly things with bits of tissue....this is Sam, with Jesus, a friend of our English friends. There was a definite language barrier, he's picked up some English and we speak hardly any Spanish, but he was great with our kids and the language barrier didn't stop them from having alot of fun.
Katie discovered that ice cream looks rather attractive on her nose...
Forgot to put these the right way up but you'll manage ;o)
There are more, but I have 2 assignments and half a ton of reading to do before half term!
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