This is my bonsai.
I called it “Daniel-San!” And I must admit that it keeps me very busy these days. It’s funny how something so little and simple can distract us so much. I’ve been going on forums like mad, trying to learn the best ways to ensure a good, long life for it, the different styling techniques, etc. I find it one of the most interesting things I’ve had in a while! Considering that I’m a bit of a shopaholic, that’s a pretty bold statement! But I just like looking at it and caring for it. Trimming it is very relaxing. I think everyone should have a bonsai. People would be less in a hurry, but that could be just another of my crazy ideas..
Tuesday, 29 March 2005
Monday, 28 March 2005
Of baths and castles..
Before writing this, I must have spent the last 30 minutes adding boiling water to the bath using a kettle because our boiler is broken. Nickie quite looking forward to a bath even if she kept going on about how long it would take etc, I decided to give my best effort in order to give her the chance to enjoy a cool rather than freezing cold bath. About 10 1.5liter kettles later and not much difference in temperature, Nickie did her best to show her appreciation.
But really, I hope we can repair the bloody thing by tomorrow..
Now if you’re wondering where I got the costume, it was at Bodelwyddan Castle!
Went there with a few good looking people, myself included of course, and enjoyed an alright tour of the place. Personally, I find it a bit disappointing that they decide to give people audio guides rather than having actually people to interact with. After two rooms of listening to this annoying thing talking in my ear as I was walking around like a pillock looking upwards as the voice of my “200 year old guide” was going on for what seemed forever, I decided it was more entertaining to watch other people walk around, this big red thing stuck to their heads, occasionally giggling either due to the commentary or the fact that they probably thought that everyone else looked a bit silly. I would much rather talk to someone with extensive knowledge of the place, a bit like I did when I went on a tour at 221b Baker Street or the Warwick Castle. Fair enough, not all guides are as interested in their subject, but the few that are make it most interesting.
Then we went around an ugly and unkept garden, went into this weird hut called a “Bird Hide". The name did make sense as not a bird could be seen around. Though apparently, it’s for you to hide in, giving you a better chance to observe the creatures, so they say.
We also went into a Butterfly Glade. There were no butterflies of course. Why else would they call it that? (sic)
The most amusing part of the castle visit, after the fact that I was offered to eat a tasteless baked potato with a spoon, was that we played a giant game of chess. Not feeling like thinking too hard, I decided to play the part of, alternatively, a bishop and a rook. (Is that how they call the tower/castle thing?) My-sister-in-law is obviously a horse, the hands being the hooves her as she is prancing on her hind legs. Bit like the Ferrari logo. see it now?
We then left for what Nickie and I love best: wandering around the shops!
A good day on the whole. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better!
But really, I hope we can repair the bloody thing by tomorrow..
Now if you’re wondering where I got the costume, it was at Bodelwyddan Castle!
Went there with a few good looking people, myself included of course, and enjoyed an alright tour of the place. Personally, I find it a bit disappointing that they decide to give people audio guides rather than having actually people to interact with. After two rooms of listening to this annoying thing talking in my ear as I was walking around like a pillock looking upwards as the voice of my “200 year old guide” was going on for what seemed forever, I decided it was more entertaining to watch other people walk around, this big red thing stuck to their heads, occasionally giggling either due to the commentary or the fact that they probably thought that everyone else looked a bit silly. I would much rather talk to someone with extensive knowledge of the place, a bit like I did when I went on a tour at 221b Baker Street or the Warwick Castle. Fair enough, not all guides are as interested in their subject, but the few that are make it most interesting.
Then we went around an ugly and unkept garden, went into this weird hut called a “Bird Hide". The name did make sense as not a bird could be seen around. Though apparently, it’s for you to hide in, giving you a better chance to observe the creatures, so they say.
We also went into a Butterfly Glade. There were no butterflies of course. Why else would they call it that? (sic)
The most amusing part of the castle visit, after the fact that I was offered to eat a tasteless baked potato with a spoon, was that we played a giant game of chess. Not feeling like thinking too hard, I decided to play the part of, alternatively, a bishop and a rook. (Is that how they call the tower/castle thing?) My-sister-in-law is obviously a horse, the hands being the hooves her as she is prancing on her hind legs. Bit like the Ferrari logo. see it now?
We then left for what Nickie and I love best: wandering around the shops!
A good day on the whole. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better!
Sunday, 27 March 2005
Sweet and Sour..
Ahh.. life at his ways..
I was originally writing to say how much of a good time we’re having these days. but things have gone a bit twisted.. anyways…
First of all, ME!
;)
I’m quite excited about the new job I’m starting, I must say. More responsibilities, more pay, more working with young people, which will help with my degree, which is really one of the main reasons why I left the other job. Fair enough. it’s not a permanent contract, but since I’ve moved to the UK, things haven’t gone exactly to plan. they’ve been even better!
So I’ll take my chances and cross the bridge next year when I come to it!
Who knows!? Maybe they’ll get more money and I’ll be able to continue! Also, my new employers have already arranged for me to get extra training and are going to have me work on a specially funded project, which I’m really excited with!
:)
Obviously, there will be some challenges. In my previous job, I was thought to share the least possible with school staff as, well, they could find what I say generally offensive.
:S
The first thing that was always asked of me when doing observations was to do an “classroom environment” survey and go through a “Quality First Teaching” checklist. Then I’d come back to the office and say if there is anything in how the teacher teached that might have influenced the child’s behaviour. This obviously wouldn’t go down to well if I was working in a school, specially as quite a few teachers don’t seem to appreciate the inclusion efforts of the government and would take exception to me telling them that the way they teach is actually driving my mentee mad and that it’s making me twitch as well..
I’m also used to be able to go into my boss’s office and say exactly what I think about anything without having to worry because not only could she take it on the chin, but if I was wrong, she could tell me and why, etc. If I was right, she would also tell me and give me the straight facts about why things are happening in such a way.
I’ll miss Sue.
:(
So yeah, I’ll have to learn to adapt my ways. For a while, anyways..
Then there is Nickie!
My wonderful darling managed to get a promotion and left her job the exact same day I was leaving!
:D
(Aren’t we the better couple?)
She’s doing vaguely the same thing she used to but for better pay.
Ahh.. I see you thinking?!
No more debts in Canada…
I get a raise..
Nickie gets a raise..
WE WILL BE RICH!!
Well.. no.
First week of new pays in effect and what happens?
OUR BOILER BREAKS!
No heating, no hot water and.. a bank holiday.
Which means that there is n o way I’m calling for a repairman who will come in smiling because he’ll get to charge me double the price he would usually.
It’s spring anyways..so we are quite comfortable and we can always go and take our showers at the gym, which we usually do anyways.
RIGHT!
But let’s not fall into doom and gloom!
Almost 2 years since I’ve been on this little island and things keep getting better! And I trust it will continue for a while, so I’m not worried!
This week should still be fun. We’re going to plan our garden and stuff and go to Dublin!
:)
Keep ya posted..
I was originally writing to say how much of a good time we’re having these days. but things have gone a bit twisted.. anyways…
First of all, ME!
;)
I’m quite excited about the new job I’m starting, I must say. More responsibilities, more pay, more working with young people, which will help with my degree, which is really one of the main reasons why I left the other job. Fair enough. it’s not a permanent contract, but since I’ve moved to the UK, things haven’t gone exactly to plan. they’ve been even better!
So I’ll take my chances and cross the bridge next year when I come to it!
Who knows!? Maybe they’ll get more money and I’ll be able to continue! Also, my new employers have already arranged for me to get extra training and are going to have me work on a specially funded project, which I’m really excited with!
:)
Obviously, there will be some challenges. In my previous job, I was thought to share the least possible with school staff as, well, they could find what I say generally offensive.
:S
The first thing that was always asked of me when doing observations was to do an “classroom environment” survey and go through a “Quality First Teaching” checklist. Then I’d come back to the office and say if there is anything in how the teacher teached that might have influenced the child’s behaviour. This obviously wouldn’t go down to well if I was working in a school, specially as quite a few teachers don’t seem to appreciate the inclusion efforts of the government and would take exception to me telling them that the way they teach is actually driving my mentee mad and that it’s making me twitch as well..
I’m also used to be able to go into my boss’s office and say exactly what I think about anything without having to worry because not only could she take it on the chin, but if I was wrong, she could tell me and why, etc. If I was right, she would also tell me and give me the straight facts about why things are happening in such a way.
I’ll miss Sue.
:(
So yeah, I’ll have to learn to adapt my ways. For a while, anyways..
Then there is Nickie!
My wonderful darling managed to get a promotion and left her job the exact same day I was leaving!
:D
(Aren’t we the better couple?)
She’s doing vaguely the same thing she used to but for better pay.
Ahh.. I see you thinking?!
No more debts in Canada…
I get a raise..
Nickie gets a raise..
WE WILL BE RICH!!
Well.. no.
First week of new pays in effect and what happens?
OUR BOILER BREAKS!
No heating, no hot water and.. a bank holiday.
Which means that there is n o way I’m calling for a repairman who will come in smiling because he’ll get to charge me double the price he would usually.
It’s spring anyways..so we are quite comfortable and we can always go and take our showers at the gym, which we usually do anyways.
RIGHT!
But let’s not fall into doom and gloom!
Almost 2 years since I’ve been on this little island and things keep getting better! And I trust it will continue for a while, so I’m not worried!
This week should still be fun. We’re going to plan our garden and stuff and go to Dublin!
:)
Keep ya posted..
Saturday, 26 March 2005
Give the man an OBE!
I’m not known to be a really big “fan” of bands, celebrities, etc. I am of course a massive fan of Jacques Villeneuve , a F1 racing driver that was born in the same town I was and who’s resilience and fighting spirit I truly admire. But there is one more person that I will say I truly admire and that I am a huge fan of and that’s Jamie Oliver!
JAMIE!!!
Brought to fame because of the Naked Chef TV series this young man from Essex (he’s 1y and a half older than me and worth £17millions more..) is a true model when it comes to using his celebrity status to help other people. Recently, he set up a restaurant in the East End of London called Fifteen who is no only a top class restaurant, but also a registered charity where Jamie trains 15 young people every year (3rd now) from disadvantaged backgrounds, often homeless, living in care and having learning difficulties and all unemployed and gives them the opportunity to become top class chefs. Graduates are placed overseas in some of the world’s best restaurants. This is not only a great thing for the young people who’s lives are changed, but it also changes their attitudes towards success and achievement which is often one of the biggest barriers. I’m sure that these people he’s directly helped will not only have a better lifestyle, but will also be able to share these values with their environment, friends and family which will contribute to promoting a culture of success and of aiming higher, rather than sitting on your backside thinking that the world owes you everything. He started this project just as his wife, the beautiful Juliet “Jules” Oliver
Just looking for an excuse to pose a picture of her!!
was about to give birth to one of his daughters and while also preparing a new book and tours in Asia and America. (By the way, I was just looking for an excuse to put a pic of her.
;)
Then, he decided to help one of his friends Jimmy start a farm of rare breed pigs, close to extinction and then went on a crusade to support local farmers and promotes organic food producers to make sure that they are treated fairly by the large supermarkets. For a long time, the only company he’s been associated with is Sainsbury’s , the supermarket that makes the most in order to promote and help organic production in Britain.
And most recently he started the Feed Me Better campaign making sure that children all over the UK get a chance to have good , balanced school meals. This is especially important because as he says on his website: ” What we eat affects everything. Mood, behaviour, health, growth, even our ability to concentrate.”
He’s already won in the county of Greenwich where now, thanks to his efforts more than 6,000 schoolchildren are now eating healthy school meals, cooked from fresh ingredients, every day. Now, it has become a political issue and the Labour Party have jumped on the bandwagon once they realized how Jamie made people realize how important what the children eat is for their wellbeing. The results are already in and behaviour has already changed in a most positive manner!
And now, children of a fairly deprived area get a chance to eat herb-crusted fillet of fish, Mediterranean braised beef with couscous, and much more rather than greasy chips.
Now again, like a lot of good people trying to do their best, he’s come under quite a bit of criticism. Some people talk about his “mockney accent” whatever that means..
Some people say he’s using this for his own fame. Then again, I think that if I was worth £17 million, had a beautiful family who would rather I spend more time at home, I’d find other ways to increase my fame. Also, how many famous people have managed to push these social issues as much as he has? I don’t know of any!
So yes, I’ll buy his books and yes, I signed his petition for the Feed me better campaign! And I hope you do to! Because not only is Jamie Oliver a great individual, but also if everyone that had the means to act did the way he does, the world would definitely be a better place.
JAMIE!!!
Brought to fame because of the Naked Chef TV series this young man from Essex (he’s 1y and a half older than me and worth £17millions more..) is a true model when it comes to using his celebrity status to help other people. Recently, he set up a restaurant in the East End of London called Fifteen who is no only a top class restaurant, but also a registered charity where Jamie trains 15 young people every year (3rd now) from disadvantaged backgrounds, often homeless, living in care and having learning difficulties and all unemployed and gives them the opportunity to become top class chefs. Graduates are placed overseas in some of the world’s best restaurants. This is not only a great thing for the young people who’s lives are changed, but it also changes their attitudes towards success and achievement which is often one of the biggest barriers. I’m sure that these people he’s directly helped will not only have a better lifestyle, but will also be able to share these values with their environment, friends and family which will contribute to promoting a culture of success and of aiming higher, rather than sitting on your backside thinking that the world owes you everything. He started this project just as his wife, the beautiful Juliet “Jules” Oliver
Just looking for an excuse to pose a picture of her!!
was about to give birth to one of his daughters and while also preparing a new book and tours in Asia and America. (By the way, I was just looking for an excuse to put a pic of her.
;)
Then, he decided to help one of his friends Jimmy start a farm of rare breed pigs, close to extinction and then went on a crusade to support local farmers and promotes organic food producers to make sure that they are treated fairly by the large supermarkets. For a long time, the only company he’s been associated with is Sainsbury’s , the supermarket that makes the most in order to promote and help organic production in Britain.
And most recently he started the Feed Me Better campaign making sure that children all over the UK get a chance to have good , balanced school meals. This is especially important because as he says on his website: ” What we eat affects everything. Mood, behaviour, health, growth, even our ability to concentrate.”
He’s already won in the county of Greenwich where now, thanks to his efforts more than 6,000 schoolchildren are now eating healthy school meals, cooked from fresh ingredients, every day. Now, it has become a political issue and the Labour Party have jumped on the bandwagon once they realized how Jamie made people realize how important what the children eat is for their wellbeing. The results are already in and behaviour has already changed in a most positive manner!
And now, children of a fairly deprived area get a chance to eat herb-crusted fillet of fish, Mediterranean braised beef with couscous, and much more rather than greasy chips.
Now again, like a lot of good people trying to do their best, he’s come under quite a bit of criticism. Some people talk about his “mockney accent” whatever that means..
Some people say he’s using this for his own fame. Then again, I think that if I was worth £17 million, had a beautiful family who would rather I spend more time at home, I’d find other ways to increase my fame. Also, how many famous people have managed to push these social issues as much as he has? I don’t know of any!
So yes, I’ll buy his books and yes, I signed his petition for the Feed me better campaign! And I hope you do to! Because not only is Jamie Oliver a great individual, but also if everyone that had the means to act did the way he does, the world would definitely be a better place.
Thursday, 17 March 2005
Yippeee!! (Part 2)
YES!
I’ve made it!!
I got a new job!
Starting on the 11th of April, I’ll be a Learning Mentor!
I’m very excited.
A bit sad to leave the LEA as I’ve met loads of really nice people and my professional development shot through the roof by being surrounded by so many experienced professionals, but I needed to move in order to continue my own development and successfully complete my degree.
It also happens to be in a very nice school, so that surely helps as well!
;)
More experience, more responsibilities, more money, more chances to use my different skills.. this year is showing to be just as good as the last one!
Wish me luck!
:)
I’ve made it!!
I got a new job!
Starting on the 11th of April, I’ll be a Learning Mentor!
I’m very excited.
A bit sad to leave the LEA as I’ve met loads of really nice people and my professional development shot through the roof by being surrounded by so many experienced professionals, but I needed to move in order to continue my own development and successfully complete my degree.
It also happens to be in a very nice school, so that surely helps as well!
;)
More experience, more responsibilities, more money, more chances to use my different skills.. this year is showing to be just as good as the last one!
Wish me luck!
:)
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